GORP's Spring Cohort Features Eight Startups

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Launched in spring 2022, the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) has supported more than 300 entrepreneurs through workshops, networking events, one-on-one consulting and access to co-working space.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – A company renting high-quality, affordable outdoor gear and another with a specialized quiver for hunting are among eight startups selected for the spring 2024 cohort of the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP). 

Led by the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, GORP is the U of A's flagship business incubation program supporting startups in the outdoor recreation sector, with workshop training, team mentoring and dedicated product/service development to help them scale globally. The 12-week program begins today runs through April 16. 

GORP also provides up to $15,000 in "non-dilutive seed funding" per company — funding that doesn't require the owner to give up equity in the company. Founders in previous cohorts have praised GORP for its leadership, access to mentors and the program's ability to provide high-quality interns.   

"We have a great mix of unique founders with unique backgrounds coming together to build some very unique businesses," said Phil Shellhammer, OEI's senior director of business incubation.  

"As in the past, we have a wide range of outdoor recreation activities represented as well as the three major business categories found in our industry:  (product, service and digital solutions)." 

As they did with the fall 2023 cohort, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will sponsor two companies building solutions around hunting and fishing. The two from this cohort are Osage Creek Camps and Big Sky Rentals. 

"Their passion for the outdoors and relationship with the outdoor industry make them a natural partner for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as we work toward a shared goal of connecting Arkansans to the outdoors," said Austin Booth, director of Game and Fish. 

Booth added that each company provides an opportunity for people to hunt and fish in Arkansas without facing a steep financial barrier. 

"As we continue to see more Arkansans with a desire to connect with wild places and wild things, removing barriers to entry is a critical step to help these people enjoy those experiences." 

GORP launched with four startups in spring 2022. In the last 24 months, 25 startups have expanded their businesses through GORP's semiannual cohort program.   

GORP has also supported more than 300 entrepreneurs through its a la carte services, which include workshops, networking events, one-on-one consulting and access to co-working space.   

Additionally, GORP companies receive a U of A student intern through OEI's Venture Intern Program. Now in its fifth year, VIP matches students with startups, entrepreneurship support organizations and investor networks for semester-long internships and provides training to help them to succeed in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.     

GORP'S SPRING 2024 COHORT  

Backcountry Quiver — Fayetteville 
Founded by Rick Spicer, Backcountry Quiver builds handcrafted accessories for bowhunters and archers. 

Big Sky Rentals — Bella Vista
Big Sky Rentals makes the outdoors convenient and accessible by renting top-quality gear for a fraction of the cost of buying and ships it directly to you or your destination. The team includes Jay Benjamin, Bob Dudzinski and Tyler McKay. 

First Season Outdoor — Bentonville 
First Season provides membership service that gives aspiring outdoor recreators access to gear, community and support. The team includes Mason McClelland and Corey Campbell. 

Foresight Engineering — Rogers 
Foresight Engineering is building intelligent hunting scopes that improve shot placement and reduce ethical, operational and legal risks. The company is led by Colin Shaw and Maghan Shaw. 

Osage Creek Camps — Lowell 
Founded by Stephen and Caroline Lonon, Osage Creek Camps is training the next generation in fly fishing and conservation, with camps in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville. 

Rosie Up — Bentonville 
Founded by Paige Onweller, Rosie Up aims to create a supportive and safe environment for female cyclists to foster confidence, skill development and community so women feel empowered to ride or race gravel.  

Slow Southern Steel — Fayetteville 
Founded by Jesse Turner, Slow Southern Steel (SSS) is a custom handmade bicycle company offering bicycles built for adventure seekers. 

Tread Medics — Bentonville 
Tread Medics is focused on keeping bicycle tires and tubes on the ground and out of landfills. Led by Ernie Lechuga and Randy Bowers, the bicycle tire reclaim/repair/recycle company specializes in tread repair that reduces landfill waste. 

About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio, Startup Village, and Greenhouse at the Bentonville Collaborative, the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. A unit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and Division of Economic Development, the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.