Wild Muskoka Botanicals, a Dwight-based business, has been chosen as the winner of the 2022 Muskoka Founders Circle Award.
They were one of five finalists selected for the competition. The win means they get a cheque worth $10,000.
According to officials with the Township of Lake of Bays, the business makes artisan wild food and cocktails using locally foraged and sustainably made ingredients. They also offer educational workshops throughout Ontario.
“After the holiday rush, we will come up with a strategic plan to use the funds as wisely as possible,” says Laura Gilmour, founder of Wild Muskoka Botanicals. “It will include leveraging these funds to apply for some marketing grants, some equipment upgrades to make our processes more efficient, and looking at how to expand our team. For now, with a full heart, I feel motivated to keep going and keep bringing our wild goodies to your tables that are delicious, healthy, and show that business can thrive while caring for the land.”
The other finalists were The Saucy Muskokan, Fluent Disc Sport, The Artisans Edge, and Helping Buddy Muskoka.
Helping Buddy finished second and will get a $5,000 cheque.
“This is a very big deal for us,” they wrote on Instagram. “It is very special to know that this group of business owners see potential in our business and believe in us. It’s a huge boost and we hope, the beginning of many collaborations and so much more.”
The competition has been held every year since 2018 and has distributed over $60,000 to Muskoka-based businesses.