In Arkansas, outdoor recreation is big business. Each year, the state’s outdoor economy generates more than $4.5 billion in revenue and employs over 40,000 people. At the University of Arkansas, the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation works to grow that sector with the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program, an incubator for new outdoor businesses. Startups receive seed funding, training, mentorship and a student intern. Since launching in 2022, dozens of companies have completed the incubator program.

The businesses that completed the program include electric cargo bike builder Gnargo, the makers of the Paddl app to guide canoers and kayakers, and Jane Wick gun-range bags for women. More than 90% of the startups that complete program are still operating businesses.

Visit entrepreneurship.uark.edu to learn more about the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program.

GORP is funded by the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the state of Arkansas and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

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About Discover Red: Discover RED is a video series produced by University Relations and its Arkansas Research and Economic Development communications team that sheds light on the impactful research and economic development stories taking place at the U of A and how they are helping to build a better world. More of these stories will be shared throughout the year. You can find other news stories and podcasts by visiting arkansasresearch.uark.edu.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.