Application Process Opens for Waypoint Accelerator, An Opportunity for Early-Stage, Outdoor-Focused Companies

October 15, 2020

First program of its kind in the Eastern U.S. offers its second cohort access to extensive outdoor industry network and learning opportunities

ASHEVILLE, NC—October 15, 2020 — Mountain BizWorks, a U.S. Treasury certified non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI), announced today that applications are now open for its Waypoint Accelerator program for early-stage outdoor-focused companies. The outdoor entrepreneurship and innovation accelerator, open to eight ventures per year, is set to take place online starting on December 3. The program includes 15 learning and mentorship sessions, access to an outdoor industry network, and connections to both capital providers and industry peers, among other benefits.

“Whether you have recently embarked on your journey or are still at the trailhead waiting to take the first step, this accelerator offers a unique opportunity to move forward and make the right kinds of connections in this growing industry,” said Matt Godfrey, the Waypoint lead facilitator and Chair of the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC. “Our mentors and industry partners are eager to share their insights to help you succeed.” In addition to Mountain BizWorks, partners and sponsors include the Small Business and Technology Development Center, Outdoor Gear Builders, Growing Outdoors Partnership, and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The Waypoint Accelerator is the first outdoor accelerator east of the Rockies. Companies that are accepted into the accelerator will receive a tailored learning & mentorship curriculum, along with perks including free passes to the 2021 Outdoor Economy Conference, free booths at the 2021 Get in Gear Fest and membership in the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC (Western North Carolina). The Outdoor Economy Conference, where the 2020 Waypoint Accelerator was announced, connects, educates, and inspires leaders and doers working to grow the outdoor industry. This conference is intended to help entrepreneurs craft an economy that is intimately tied to the well-being of their places and communities.

Last year’s inaugural Waypoint cohort members have achieved impressive results. RockGeist, for example, a fast-growing company making custom gear for long distance endurance biking or “bikepacking,” participated in the first cohort of the Waypoint Accelerator. According to RockGeist’s owner and founder, Greg Hardy, “Having capital isn’t enough to find success if you don’t know what to do with that capital. So, step one was to focus on education.” The program, as Hardy explained, “taught me how to actually develop and grow the company into something productive and profitable.”

The application window opens on Thursday, October 15, and closes on Sunday, November 8, with a live Info Session and Q&A set to take place on Friday, October 23 at 1:00pm. Sessions span topics such as Customer Development; Go-to-Market Strategy and Tools; Design Thinking; and Financial Modeling. The program will also include deep dive presentations such as a session on Leadership and the Responsible Outdoor Company.

Jennifer Pharr-Davis (former Appalachian Trail world record holder and founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Co); Lauren Rash (COO, Diamond Brand Gear); and Amy Allison (Director, NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office), are just a few of the many notable outdoor industry executives helping to mentor this year’s cohort members.

Full program details and the online application are available at mountainbizworks.org/waypoint/.

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About Mountain BizWorks

Mountain BizWorks has been making business loans ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 to small businesses in Western North Carolina for nearly 30 years. Their tailored small business lending and peer learning programs help grow great businesses and expand economic opportunity. In 2018, Mountain BizWorks joined forces with others across the region to establish the Growing Outdoors Partnership, which is focused on elevating WNC’s outdoor industry sector. They work with companies who may find it difficult to secure funding from banks and other traditional sources. What makes Mountain BizWorks unique is that all loan decisions and relationships are managed locally. They work to ensure clients’ success by offering highly customized, peer-to-peer business coaching by an extensive network of local, successful business owners. This innovative blend of lending and learning helps entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, grow strategically, and create jobs.

For more: www.mountainbizworks.org.