Last week at a celebratory kick-off, Mountain BizWorks, along with partners Made by Mountains, the Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC and the NC Outdoor Economy Office, welcomed 20 entrepreneurs into the Waypoint Resilience Cohort. The program aims to help outdoor industry businesses rebuild from Helene, problem-solve with peers and experts, and chart a course for long-term sustainability and growth.
The Waypoint Resilience program was born out of the needs of local outdoor entrepreneurs still in recovery from Hurricane Helene. With a focus on leadership, financial clarity, team building, operations, and marketing strategy, the Cohort combines mentorship and peer support to help outdoor businesses realign and create a robust plan for a thriving future.
“At Mountain BizWorks, we listen deeply to our local businesses,” said Noah Wilson, Mountain BizWorks’ Director of Sector Development. “Using data from over 1,000 businesses we’ve supported after Hurricane Helene, as well as direct input from our cohort members, this program has been tailored to ensure that this cohort benefits from every resource that we, and WNC, have to offer.”
Waypoint Resilience is co-facilitated by Russ Towers, owner of Second Gear, Asheville’s premier outdoor adventure consignment shop, and Amy Allison, Director of the NC Outdoor Economy Office. “After Second Gear’s location in Asheville’s River Arts District was destroyed by Hurricane Helene, I led our recovery efforts and relocation to Westgate shopping center (reopening in early December),” said Towers. “So, I’ve lived the experience the Waypoint Resilience cohort is going through and can share what I’ve learned from the journey.”
Participants will benefit from the sharing of knowledge, experiences, contacts, and expertise from within the group, from the facilitators, from the topic-specific presenters, and from the Mountain BizWorks coaching team. “To me, resiliency is a mix of grit and determination and a willingness to seek out resources and assistance to move forward past adversity,” continued Towers.
Cohort members represent the breadth of outdoor industry businesses in the region: guides, outfitters, manufacturers, retailers, outdoor hospitality businesses, and more. “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many outdoor businesses faced significant setbacks—but with that challenge comes the opportunity to build back stronger and more resilient than before,” said Allison. “These business leaders are not just recovering—they’re helping shape the future of our region’s outdoor industry.”
Program participants will receive a $5,000 grant to jumpstart recovery plans developed in the program. In addition, all participants can take part in specialized coaching hours from industry experts valued at $1,000 to help address needs and opportunities. This funding is made possible by support from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Finally, businesses not already included in the local outdoor economy network will receive a one year membership to the Outdoor Business Alliance.
“Forging lasting connections and supporting one another are at the heart of why the Outdoor Business Alliance was founded and why programs like Waypoint Resilience are so powerful,” shared Wilson. “One business owner shared that this is the first time they’ve really been able to spend time with other people who get it. To slow down and take time together.” He added, “In good times and bad, being able to connect with other business owners who understand the unique challenges and joys of entrepreneurship is invaluable.”
Waypoint Resilience Cohort Participants:
- Asheville Wellness Tours is a woman-owned business offering curated wellness experiences for individuals, couples, and groups, such as yoga hikes, forest bathing, goat yoga, tarot readings, and mobile massages.
- Cedar Rock Adventures is an Asheville-based outdoor adventure company specializing in guided hiking, rafting, and canoe trips, plus floating bar crawls to experience both the region’s natural beauty and craft beer scene.
- Davidson River Outfitters offers guided fly-fishing experiences throughout WNC and beyond. Their shop on the banks of the Davidson River in Pisgah Forest offers fly fishing gear, fly tying materials, and more.
- FIND Outdoors inspires people of all ages to connect with nature and become stewards of public land through educational programs and accessible outdoor experiences in Pisgah Forest.
- Fox Mountain Guides educates and guides climbers in the Southeast and beyond. For over 20 years, they’ve worked toward their mission to provide guests with expert instruction and unforgettable experiences in the mountains.
- The French Broad Paddle Trail is a 146-mile recreational watercraft trail between Rosman, NC and Newport, TN. Staff and partners create, maintain, and improve public access points, campsites, & signage; remove garbage; clear blockages; and host events focused on celebrating and learning about the river.
- Hiker & The Hound is an outdoor lifestyle shop located in Cedar Mountain at the entrance of DuPont State Forest, offering outdoor gear and all-natural wellness products.
- Lucky Crow Hat Company is a female owned and operated headwear company located in Marion,, specializing in custom patch hats for corporate customers and outdoor retailers throughout the East Coast.
- McHone Performance Training provides customized training programs to enhance adventure readiness, with fitness and sports performance facilities in both Asheville and Pisgah Forest.
- Mountain Top Shuttles is an Old Fort-based shuttle service that provides convenient access to top trails for local riders and visiting adventurers.
- No Taste Like Home is an Asheville-based wild food foraging company offering year-round tours where guests learn to identify edible plants and fungi, then enjoy their harvest prepared by local restaurants.
- Old Fort Bike Shop is a bicycle sales and service shop in Old Fort, led by a 30-year industry veteran. The shop offers a wide range of bikes from leading brands and full-service repair support for cyclists of all kinds.
- Pirani Life, Inc. creates reusable tumblers designed to eliminate single-use plastics. The sustainable drinkware company is based in Black Mountain, and their products are built for adventure.
- Riverskate is Asheville-based and specializes in custom-made stand-up paddleboards for river surfing and freestyle maneuvers. Riverskate combines innovation, education, and community engagement to make whitewater sports more accessible.
- Rockgeist manufactures custom bike-packing equipment in Asheville. They’ve designed their waterproof storage solutions for rugged, multi-day cycling adventures.
- Talisman Inc. is a summer camp based in Zirconia that serves neurodivergent campers ages 6–22, with tailored programs for youth with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences.
- The Flying Bike hosts electric bike tours and rentals in Asheville. Their immersive experiences highlight the city’s history, people, and culture.
- Valentine Bikes is a custom bicycle frame builder based in Western North Carolina, offering handcrafted bikes, frame repairs, and custom paint services for cycling enthusiasts.
- Wahoo’s Adventures is an outdoor outfitter located in Todd, offering tubing, kayaking, tent camping, and treehouse stays along the New River for families and groups.
- Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins is an urban cabin retreat and modern basecamp for mountain exploration in Asheville, offering A-frame lodging and direct access to the French Broad River Greenway.
The Waypoint Resilience Cohort is a special edition program in response to the outdoor industry’s needs post-Hurricane Helene. To support continued economic growth, Mountain BizWorks hosts the annual Waypoint Accelerator to help high-potential outdoor industry businesses launch and grow in Western North Carolina. Join the interest list for the next Waypoint Accelerator program at waypointaccelerator.com.
