The Muskoka Futures Annual Startup Competition awards innovative, scalable, and job-creating startups with $250,000 and access to an ecosystem of resources in exchange for headquartering their business in Muskoka for at least one year.
They are looking to reach early stage, high growth potential companies that can demonstrate positive impact in Muskoka. Impact can look different to each business – for some it may be relocating, others may establish a satellite and hire staff, or their technology or business may be able to impact an industry in Muskoka. Their goal is to offer patient investment intended to enable the business to progress and attract the next round of investment.
Eligibility requirements:
- The company relocate to Muskoka for one year
- 51% of the founding team or one founder and one employee need to live full time in Muskoka for at least one year
- At least one founder is working on the company as their primary or full-time professional role
Interested companies are encouraged to visit the Muskoka 4.0 website www.muskoka4point0.ca to find links to the rules and guidelines, FAQ’s and the application process plus they can see the timeline for the contest and the link to enter.
Deadline to apply is October 31st, 2021 and the overall competition culminates on March 30th featuring the live pitches of the Muskoka 4.0 finalists and a keynote address by Bruce Croxon former Dragon of CBC’s Dragons’ Den and current host of BNN’s The Disruptors. The winner of the competition is announced at the end of the event.
Muskoka Futures is a not for profit business development organization and part of the Community Futures Development Program. They support businesses in their region through strategic investment and advice, and Muskoka 4.0 is an initiative focused on identifying and investing in early stage businesses.