This fall, the University of Arkansas will continue a program helping make Arkansas a destination for outdoor recreation.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) has accepted seven startups for the fall 2024 cohort. The program will help support entrepreneurs in building their products and services in the outdoor recreation industry. The program has helped startups since 2021.
“It’s really been a delight to be part of this overall statewide initiative to promote the outdoor economy and to establish Arkansas as a top destination, not only for outdoor recreation enthusiasts but also outdoor business owners,” said Zoe Buonaiuto, Business Incubation Director at the University of Arkansas.
Buonaiuto said in 2023, the program received $1.2 million from the U.S. Economic Development Agency. The funds were matched with another $1 million by the state of Arkansas. It’s helped spread the program statewide and continue giving entrepreneurs $15,000 in “non-dilutive seed funding.”
“It’s so valuable because it allows founders …