BUILDING THE NEXT GREAT OUTDOOR BUSINESSES
An outdoor entrepreneurship and innovation accelerator program for early-stage, outdoor-focused, North Carolina-based companies.
COST
$550 per company (up to 2 participants)
DURATION
12 Sessions (5 mos)
Uniquely harnesses the outdoor industry and venture development expertise of mentors and partners to elevate your outdoor venture to the next peak. Cohort members are embedded in a strong network of mentors and peers that can help refine company plans and products, get critical feedback, and ultimately get to market faster.
The program components include action-focused peer cohort sessions, a robust outdoor industry mentor network, and assistance with access to growth capital.
Based in Asheville and Western North Carolina, a region with a greater density of outdoor recreation companies than anywhere else on the east coast
Embedded in a thriving and collaborative outdoor industry cluster of professionals and strategic partners, many serving as program mentors and advisors
12-session intensive program conducted semi-virtually, plus tailored mentorship opening at the Outdoor Economy Conference and concluding at the Get in Gear Fest
Serving 10 North Carolina-based outdoor startups per cohort from gear makers to experience providers and from concept to early sales
Strong access-to-capital connections but you don’t have to give up any equity or take investment to participate – and there’s no cost for the first round
Includes membership in the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC
Check out high-growth outdoor companies in the current cohort and some past cohorts below.
Cohort 4 – 2022:
Past Cohorts:
“Waypoint was one of the biggest step ups that our business has taken over the last three years. We are close to tripling our revenue since finishing Waypoint with lots of clear paths to continue our exponential growth” said Devin deHoll, Co-Founder/Owner of Asheville Adventure Company, Waypoint Accelerator Cohort 2. “The networking, the mentors, the content covered, the time spent to meditate and work on your business, is some of the most valuable time that we could have possibly taken in our early careers as entrepreneurs. Waypoint has elevated us beyond what I could have ever thought possible.”
Devin deHoll, Asheville Adventure Company
Waypoint harnesses the exceptional and collaborative network of outdoor industry leaders based in WNC to provide tailored mentorship, advice, and connections. Here are just a few of the folks on the Waypoint bench ready to help you go to market smarter and help more people connect with the great outdoors.
The Good Talk
Status Forward
Ward and Smith, P.A.
Graham County Economic Development
Sport Hansa
Blue Ridge Chair Works
NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
Blyss Running
Rightline Gear
Diamond Brand Gear
AB Tech Small Business Center
Mount Inspiration
Recover Brands
Blue Ridge Hiking Company
Carmen and Grace Communications
Darby Communications
Outfitter Bicycle Tours
Conatus Counsel
Van Winkle Law Firm
Cynosura Consulting
Western Carolina University
Appalachian State University
SBTDC
Allen Stahl + Kilbourne
Overview
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