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.

Application Closed: Join the Waypoint Interest List

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. 

Participants receive:

  • 10 hours of free 1:1 small business coaching
  • A $2,500 micro grant to support their learning and recovery.

Course Schedule:

  • Wednesday 2/4 from 9:30-12:30 – IN PERSON (Asheville)
  • Wednesday 2/11 from 9:30-12:30 – VIRTUAL
  • Wednesday 2/18 from 9:30-12:30 – VIRTUAL
  • Wednesday 2/25 from 9:30-12:30 – VIRTUAL
  • Wednesday 3/4 from 9:30-12:30 – VIRTUAL
  • Wednesday 3/11 from 9:30-12:30 – VIRTUAL
  • Wednesday 3/18 from 9:30-12:30 – VIRTUAL
  • Wednesday 3/25 from 9:30-12:30 – IN PERSON (Asheville)

Application Deadline Extended to January 28!

Application Closed: Join the Waypoint Interest List

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 January 5, 2026
  • Application closes January 28, 2026
  • Applicants notified January 30, 2026
  • Cohort starts February 4, 2026
  • Cohort ends March 25, 2026

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:

Supported by: