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.
OUTDOOR BUSINESSES DRIVE LOCAL ECONOMIES
Outdoor businesses create jobs, grow the tax base, and strengthen local economies across retail, services, manufacturing, and outdoor experiences.
Economic Growth & Industry Diversity
Outdoor businesses activate rivers, trails, and mountains, improving community health, supporting active lifestyles, and fostering stronger connections to place.
Community Health & Wellness
By creating outdoor culture, outdoor businesses strengthen regional competitiveness, attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and visitors while capturing tourism spending locally.
Attract Talent & Tourism
The U.S. Outdoor Economy in 2024
$1.3
Trillion in Economic Output
2.4%
Of US GDP
5.2
Million US Jobs
PARTNERING TO GROW THE OUTDOOR ECONOMY THROUGH BUSINESS SUPPORT
We partner with organizations across the outdoor industry and local business ecocystem 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 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.
PAST & CURRENT PARTNERS
OUR SERVICES
We help regions grow their outdoor economies by supporting outdoor entrepreneurs and the organizations that serve them.
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.
Understand the Outdoor Business Landscape
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.
Develop Outdoor Economy Strategy
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.
Train Outdoor Business Owners
We help communities create lasting support systems for outdoor entrepreneurs by training local institutions and licensing our curriculum.
Build Long-Term Entrepreneur Support
Founded Outdoors Experience Highlights
650
Outdoor business owners supported in our virtual community
100+
Expert Mentors in Our Network
Outdoor businesseses participating in 2025 Outdoor Small Business Benchmarking Study [Link to: https://foundedoutdoors.com/benchmarking-study]
80+
10.0
2025 Embark Accelerator Program NPS (with REI Path Ahead Ventures)
PARTNER TESTIMONIALS
CASE STUDY
Siskiyou Economic Development
Led a regional assessment of outdoor businesses across Siskiyou, Shasta, Trinity, and Modoc counties, identifying key challenges, resource gaps, and growth opportunities.
Needs Assessment:
Designed and facilitated an 8-week hybrid (in-person and virtual) accelerator with two tracks supporting both aspiring outdoor entrepreneurs launching businesses and existing owners expanding revenue and navigating seasonal markets.
Accelerator Program:
Partnered on a train-the-trainer initiative to build local capacity to deliver community college outdoor entrepreneurship courses.
Train-the-Trainer Program:
Result:
Regional outdoor business ecosystem assessment completed
Accelerator supporting 4 new and 9 existing outdoor businesses
Local college trained to support small businesses