Outdoor companies set for demo night
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
The University of Arkansas' Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) will hold a demo night May 19 for its eighth cohort of six companies focused on cycling, paddling, recreation and outdoor education.
Why it matters: Business accelerators like GORP are helping build a network of entrepreneurs ready to add to Arkansas' $4.9 billion outdoor recreation industry.
State of play: The program gives founders workshop training, mentoring, access to university interns and product or service development support.
- It also offers up to $15,000 in seed funding per company for needs such as legal work, marketing, equipment and branding.
- The 12-week spring program began in March.
Demo night will be held at 4204 S. Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Suite 101, in Rogers. The event begins at 5pm with presentations running from 5:30-9pm. It's free to attend, but RSVPs are appreciated.
The companies presenting are:
- BikeWhip.com — helps riders find bikes locally to rent or buy
- Oakdrop — paddling gear company
- Ozark Float Park — floating recreation park concept
- Rewilding Lab — guided outdoor experiences
- The Wander Outdoor Adventure Hub — adventure cycling basecamp and support
- Vault Mobility — smart bike parking hubs for trailheads and destinations
Flashback: GORP launched in 2022 with four startups. Since, 47 new companies have gone through its semiannual program, and more than 500 entrepreneurs have used its a la carte services and other offerings.
The bottom line: More than 85% of GORP companies are still in the market, with most growing sales.