16 BIPOC Brands Receive Entrepreneurial Boost From REI, Founded Outdoors

April 29, 2024

The Embark Program was created through a partnership between REI Path Ahead Ventures and Founded Outdoors. It provides grants and training to outdoor industry founders of color. This year, leaders from 16 startup companies participated in a 3-month curriculum on developing and growing their business ideas.

Each founder also received a $10,000 equity-free grant to boost their business. When REI opened a new store in Beaverton, Ore., in March, the founders had an opportunity to share their innovations directly with customers. Gear Junkie