OUTDOOR INDUSTRY RECOVERY

New

Waypoint Resilience Cohort

A cohort learning program aimed at helping outdoor industry businesses rebuild from Helene, problem-solve with peers and experts, and chart a course for long-term sustainability and growth.

Apply Now

With a focus on leadership, financial clarity, team building, operational excellence and marketing strategy, the Waypoint Resilience Cohort program combines mentorship and peer support to assess your business’s health, make strategic decisions, and create a robust plan for a thriving future. Plus, participants receive $5,000 grants to support their learning and recovery.

Course Schedule:

  • Wednesday 7/9 from 9:30-12:30
  • Wednesday 7/23 from 9:30-12:30
  • Wednesday 8/6 from 9:30-12:30
  • Wednesday 8/20 from 9:30-12:30
  • Wednesday 9/3 from 9:30-12:30
  • Monday 9/15 from 1-4pm at the Outdoor Economy Conference (final session and celebration)

Application Deadline June 1

Apply Now

Questions or Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Noah Wilson, Director of Sector Development at Mountain BizWorks, noah@mountainbizworks.org.

For technical difficulties or specific questions about the application, please contact Leah Smith, Sectors Program Coordinator at Mountain BizWorks, leah@mountainbizworks.org.

Cohort Timeline

  • Application opens May 5, 2025
  • Application closes June 1, 2025
  • Applicants notified June 13, 2025
  • Cohort starts July 9, 2025
  • Cohort ends September 15, 2025

Eligibility

  • Businesses that are wholly or substantially outdoor-industry focused, including gear manufacturers, outfitters and guides, outdoor-focused retail, or tech, services, or supply chain companies primarily serving the outdoor industry.
  • Must be based in one of the following Western North Carolina counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Qualla Boundary, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey
  • Must have been operational at the time of Hurricane Helene (9/27/2024), and be currently operating or planning to reopen.
  • Must be able to commit to participating in the full cohort program.

In partnership with: