Growth Initiative

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Outdoor Industry

Growing Outdoors Partnership

WNC has rich soil to help the outdoor industry bloom, supporting product development, testing, and manufacturing. However, to-date these regional assets have been unrecognized, underutilized and underappreciated. Through the Growing Outdoors Partnership Growth Initiative, Mountain BizWorks is creating a “Build It. Test It. Live It.” campaign to package and connect these assets to industry both regionally and nationally. This partnership is designed to advance the competitiveness of WNC’s outdoor industry, accelerate innovation, spur entrepreneurship, and bring new business opportunities to rural manufacturers.

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B Local Asheville & WNC Craft Your Commerce Expanding Ownership Expanding Small Business Access to Capital in the Southwestern Region Growing Outdoors Partnership Local Food & Farming Initiatives Opportunity Asheville & WNC

What we offer

The Growing Outdoors Partnership Growth Initiative is a collaborative project that spans industry, education, finance, and economic development with a focus on expanding the NC outdoor industry.

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Growing Outdoors Revolving Loan Fund

$1M+ in funding has been allocated to benefit outdoor industry businesses in rural communities. Where technical assistance is needed, applicants will be encouraged to utilize the training, mentorship, and related services made possible through this project.

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Event

Outdoor Economy Conference

This collaborative event is designed to connect, educate, and inspire leaders and doers working to grow the outdoor industry and craft an economy that's intimately tied to the well-being of their places and communities.

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Learn

Waypoint Accelerator

An outdoor entrepreneurship and innovation accelerator program for early-stage, outdoor-focused companies who have recently embarked on their journey or are still at the trailhead waiting to take the first step.

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PARTNERING WITH

Growing Outdoors Partnership is a Growth Initiative* of Mountain Bizworks.

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*Growth initiatives are special learning opportunities geared toward specific local industries—facilitated by Mountain Bizworks to initiate growth in our local economy and community. Learn more about us here.