The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program has launched the seventh cohort of its business incubation program with eight participating companies.  

The newest cohort includes an eclectic mix of startups focused on water recreation and cycling repair to apparel brands and niche manufacturers and guides. The cohort also includes three founders based outside of NWA who are commuting and — in one instance — relocating for the program.   

"Our cohort incubator is attractive to founders based in Northwest Arkansas, across the state and in adjacent Heartland geographies," said Zoe Maddox, director of business incubation at U of A's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which oversees GORP. "Founders are viewing NWA as the ideal community to build a business in the outdoor recreation space."  

GORP is the U of A's flagship business incubation program supporting outdoor startups with workshop training, team mentoring and dedicated product/service development to help them scale globally. The 12-week program began in January and runs through April 8. 

GORP 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 — to be used on any business needs, including marketing, legal fees, branding support and equipment. Founders in previous cohorts have praised GORP for its leadership, access to mentors and the program's ability to provide high-quality interns.

GORP also helps companies participate in key industry events in Arkansas, partnering with the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation to showcase founders at Natural State Day at the Capitol and the upcoming Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit.  

New programming was implemented for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 cohorts, Maddox said. This included an e-commerce bootcamp led by Toby Teeter, director of the U of A Collaborative, and a session on using artificial intelligence tools to optimize business operations.   

The cohort will celebrate completion of the program with Demo Night on April 15 at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville. The public is encouraged to register and attend. 

GORP launched with four startups in spring 2022. In the last three years, nearly 40 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.

GORP'S SPRING 2025 COHORT

Arkie Cypress River Excursions – Founder: Joey Haney 
Arkie Cypress River Excursions offers guided river tours through Arkansas' stunning waterways, providing immersive eco-tourism experiences. Their expeditions focus on education, conservation and adventure, offering paddlers a chance to explore the state's natural beauty while learning about local ecosystems and wildlife. 

BEAR10 – Founder: Anneke Beerten 
BEAR10 is a mountain bike gear and apparel company created by professional cyclist Anneke Beerten. As the first female pro-rider-owned MTB brand, BEAR10 is committed to delivering high-performance, affordable cycling apparel that blends precision fit, durable fabrics and stylish design — especially for women riders. Drawing from Beerten's decades of racing experience, the brand is setting a new standard in functional and performance-driven cycling wear. 

Hi.Lo Mobile Bicycle Repair LLC – Founder: Benjamin McGranaghan 
Hi.Lo Mobile Bicycle Repair brings on-the-go bike maintenance services directly to cyclists, eliminating the hassle of transporting bikes to repair shops. By providing convenient, professional and high-quality repair services, Hi.Lo helps keep riders on the road and trails with minimal downtime. 

Hilary Lex Treks – Founder: Hilary Lex 
Hilary Lex Treks curates women-focused adventure travel experiences, designed to empower female adventurers through unique and immersive outdoor journeys. With an emphasis on camaraderie, confidence-building and connection to nature, Lex's trips create a welcoming space for women to explore and challenge themselves in the wild. 

Surftec LLC – Founder: Samuel Beckford 
Surftec specializes in advanced surface engineering technology, originally developing nanoparticle-based coatings to improve the durability of industrial components. Now, they are applying their expertise to cycling by creating an innovative bicycle chain and gear lubricant designed to enhance performance, reduce wear and minimize maintenance. 

Take the Lane – Founders: Beatrice Becerra, Sarah Bodine and Mal Sebeck 
Take the Lane is a cycling advocacy and apparel company dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for cyclists. Through community engagement, advocacy and high-quality cycling gear, they aim to encourage more people—especially women and underrepresented groups—to embrace biking as a lifestyle and mode of transportation. 

Vamonos Vans Inc. – Founder: Ben Pryzby 
Vamonos Vans specializes in customized adventure and travel vans, making outdoor recreation more accessible and comfortable. The company is committed to providing high-quality, thoughtfully designed vans that allow customers to explore the outdoors with ease and style.

Zink Lake Recreation – Founder: Creed Hendrickson
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Zink Lake Recreation offers water-based outdoor experiences designed to activate and enhance engagement with the newly revitalized Zink Lake. Their activities include kayaking, paddleboarding and eco-tourism opportunities, making this urban waterfront a prime destination for recreation and adventure.

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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, OEI 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, OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.