PARTNERING TO GROW THE OUTDOOR ECONOMY

We equip outdoor recreation entrepreneurs with the resources, education, and community they need to build thriving businesses, while partnering with organizations to grow the $1.3 trillion outdoor economy in their regions.

WORK WITH US

Outdoor Businesses Drive Local Economies

Fuel Economic Growth & Industry Diversity

Outdoor businesses create jobs, grow the tax base, and strengthen local economies across retail, services, manufacturing, and outdoor experiences.

Promote Community Health & Wellness

Outdoor businesses activate rivers, trails, and mountains, improving community health, supporting active lifestyles, and fostering stronger connections to place.

Attract Talent, Businesses, & Tourism

By creating outdoor culture, outdoor businesses strengthen regional competitiveness and attract skilled workers, while capturing tourism spending locally.

The U.S. Outdoor Economy in 2024

$1.3

Trillion in Economic Output

2.4%

Of US GDP

*U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

5.2

Million US Jobs

Partnering to Support Outdoor Businesses

We partner with organizations across the outdoor industry and local business ecosystem to grow the outdoor economy through in-person and virtual business support

Economic Development Organizations

We support the creation of new outdoor businesses while strengthening the growth and stability of existing companies. Our work drives new business formation, revenue growth, job creation, increased local investment, and stronger regional support systems for outdoor entrepreneurs.

Universities & Startup Programs

We develop curriculum tailored to the outdoor industry, including programs that introduce students to entrepreneurship through the lens of the outdoor sector. We also support university-affiliated programs such as SBDCs, incubators, and accelerators that provide practical training for business owners.

State Outdoor Business Alliances

We help alliances launch and grow by identifying opportunities to advocate for outdoor businesses and deliver value to members. Our work supports membership growth, new business creation, grant funding opportunities, and the development of strong outdoor business ecosystems.

State Outdoor Recreation Offices

We help multiply the impact of outdoor infrastructure by supporting the businesses that activate it. Outdoor businesses capture tourism spending locally, expand access to the outdoors, and advocate for continued investment in outdoor assets while strengthening rural economies.

PAST & CURRENT PARTNERS

Our Services

We help regions grow their outdoor economies by supporting outdoor entrepreneurs and the organizations that serve them.

Work With Us

  • We map the outdoor business landscape and survey founders to identify key challenges and opportunities. Our analysis helps partners understand local conditions and prioritize support for outdoor businesses.

  • We help partners design strategies that position outdoor recreation as a driver of economic growth. This includes developing programs, tools, and networks that help outdoor businesses start and scale.

  • We deliver industry-specific workshops and accelerator programs focused on important business-building topics, including marketing, sales, and raising capital. Our curriculum is informed by insights from 600+ outdoor businesses and 100+ industry experts.

  • We help communities create lasting support systems for outdoor entrepreneurs by training local institutions and licensing our curriculum.

Founded Outdoors Experience Highlights

Business owners supported in our free online Slack community

650+

100+

Expert industry & domain mentors in our trusted network

80+

Participants in our 2025 Outdoor Small Business Benchmarking Study

10.0

2025 Embark Accelerator Program NPS (with REI Path Ahead Ventures)

FOUNDED OUTDOORS TEAM

Katie Doherty
CEO & Director Partnerships
Linkedin

Enhao Li
COO & Director Curriculum
LinkedIn

Darren “DJ” Josey
Program Manager Economic Development
LinkedIn

Partner Testimonials

  • REI Co-Op Path Ahead Ventures


    “Founded Outdoors has been an exceptional partner as we stood up REI Co-op’s Path Ahead Ventures program, putting our mission into action with their support and aligned values. We were able to quickly progress from concept to program, all while ensuring the content, speakers and messaging met the needs of the community and the design principles. The Founded Outdoors team was prepared, professional, and collaborative, continuously looking for ways to improve the program, showing at every stage that they were as invested in the work as we were. It has been such a positive partnership that has reaped incredible benefits for our founders and Path Ahead Ventures. “

    - Susan Viscon, REI Chief New Ventures & Impact Officer

  • Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute


    “Founded Outdoors has been an exceptional partner in helping FOREI stand up the Outdoor Business Alliance of Appalachia Maryland (OBAAM). Their structured approach, deep industry expertise, and strong stakeholder engagement approach produced trusted recommendations and tangible outcomes. From the outdoor business needs assessment to strategy guidance and entrepreneur workshops, their support helped a low-capacity organization like ours expand our impact and identify clear opportunities for program development.”

    - Jeffrey Simcoe, Executive Director

Siskiyou Economic Council

Case Study

Needs Assessment
Led a regional assessment of outdoor businesses across Siskiyou, Shasta, Trinity, and Modoc counties, identifying key challenges, resource gaps, and growth opportunities.

Accelerator Program
Designed and facilitated an 8-week hybrid (in-person and virtual) accelerator with two tracks supporting aspiring outdoor entrepreneurs launching businesses and existing owners expanding revenue and navigating seasonality

Train-the-Trainer Program
Partnered on a train-the-trainer initiative to build local capacity to deliver community college outdoor entrepreneurship courses.

Contact us:

Email: Partner@foundedoutdoors.com