growing outdoors partnership
Waypoint Accelerator
Waypoint Accelerator is an outdoor entrepreneurship and innovation accelerator program for early-stage, outdoor-focused companies who have recently embarked on their journey or are still at the trailhead waiting to take the first step.

The first and only outdoor accelerator on the east coast
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.
A Few Key Highlights:
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Based in Asheville and Western North Carolina, a region with a greater density of outdoor recreation companies than anywhere else in the east coast
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Embedded in a thriving and collaborative outdoor industry cluster of professionals and strategic partners, many serving as program mentors and advisors
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14-session intensive program conducted semi-virtually, plus tailored mentorship opening at the Outdoor Economy Conference and concluding at the Get in Gear Fest
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Serving 8 outdoor startups per cohort from gear makers to experience providers and from concept to early sales
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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
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Includes membership in the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC
Check out some high-growth outdoor companies who have participated in past cohorts below.
























Join The Next Cohort
Cohort 4 will be announced in 2022. Keep up to date by joining the interest list!
Mentors and Advisers
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.

Sarah Wood
The Good Talk

Laurel Scherer
Status Forward

Hayley R. Wells
Ward and Smith, P.A.

Sophia Paulos
Graham County Economic Development

Matt Huff
Sport Hansa

Alan Davis
Blue Ridge Chair Works

Amy Allison
NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

Alyson Neel
Blyss Running

Loran Evans
Rightline Gear

Lauren Rash
Diamond Brand Gear

Duane Adams
AB Tech Small Business Center

Evans Prater
Mount Inspiration

Bill Johnston
Recover Brands

Jennifer Pharr Davis
Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Natalie DeRatt
Carmen and Grace Communications

Angie Robinson
Darby Communications

Jamie Gilpen
Outfitter Bicycle Tours

Forrest Merithew
Conatus Counsel

Jake Farrar
Van Winkle Law Firm

Dave Petri
Cynosura Consulting

Wes Stone
Western Carolina University

Donald Corey
Appalachian State University

Sandra Dennison
SBTDC

Derek Allen
Allen Stahl + Kilbourne
Overview
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