Mountain BizWorks, a U.S. Treasury certified non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI), announced that applications are still open for its Waypoint Accelerator program for early-stage outdoor-focused companies. The application window is open through Sunday, November 8, 2020.
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.
Companies that are accepted into the accelerator will receive a tailored learning abd 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.
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.
Full program details and the online application are available at mountainbizworks.org/waypoint/.
