FASTER WV Outdoor Business Accelerator
Launch & Grow an Outdoor Business
A free business accelerator for entrepreneurs launching or growing outdoor recreation businesses in West Virginia’s Advantage Valley region ~ and beyond.
Do you have an idea for an outdoor recreation business? Are you already operating one and ready to grow? Are you located in Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, Wayne Counties – OR – do you have an exceptional idea? Convince us to let you apply from outside the Advantage Valley region.
The FASTER WV Outdoor Business Accelerator is a new pilot program designed to help entrepreneurs build stronger outdoor businesses through expert instruction, practical tools, and peer connections. Whether you are developing an adventure tourism concept, guide service, gear brand, recreation experience, or outdoor service, this program can help you move forward with confidence.
Participants will learn from Founded Outdoors, a national organization dedicated to helping outdoor entrepreneurs succeed.
Quick Facts
Program at a Glance
In-Person Launch Day: May 7, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Virtual Workshops: May 13, May 20, May 27, 2026 | 5 to 6:30 p.m. ET
Cost: Free (but valued at over $2,000)
Capacity: Limited to 20 participants
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs in Advantage Valley and beyond
Format: 1 in-person workshop + 3 virtual sessions
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Why This Program?
Build an Outdoor Business With Expert Guidance
The outdoor economy continues to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs who can connect people to places, experiences, products, and services.
The FASTER WV Outdoor Business Accelerator is built for founders who want more than inspiration. This program offers hands-on business training to help participants validate ideas, sharpen their offers, understand customers, and build a practical plan for growth.
Through this program, Advantage Valley is bringing national outdoor industry expertise to regional entrepreneurs who are ready to launch, pivot, or scale.
Who Should Apply?
Who Should Participate?
This program is ideal for early-stage founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and existing business owners whose work connects people to the outdoors.
- Entrepreneurs with an idea for an outdoor recreation business
- Individuals who want to turn their love of the outdoors into a company
- Existing outdoor businesses seeking new growth strategies
- Founders developing outdoor products, services, or experiences
Examples Include:
- Adventure guides and outfitters
- Outdoor gear and equipment startups
- Recreation experience companies
- Trail, bike, paddle, or climbing businesses
- Outdoor tourism and hospitality ventures
- Wellness and nature-based experiences
If your business helps people experience the outdoors, this program is for you.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will build a clearer path to launch or grow their business through practical sessions focused on real-world execution.
Learning Blocks:
Customer & Market Validation
Identify your ideal customers, test your assumptions, and refine your business idea based on real demand.
Business Model Development
Create a sustainable plan for pricing, revenue, and long-term growth.
Marketing & Sales
Learn how to attract customers, tell your story, and build momentum for your business.
Product & Experience Development
Strengthen your product, service, or recreation experience and prepare it for market.
Entrepreneur Mindset
Gain the confidence, clarity, and tools needed to move forward as a founder.
Additional Value:
Participants will also hear from experienced outdoor founders and connect with fellow entrepreneurs from across the region.
Program Schedule
The accelerator includes 12.5 hours of programming delivered through one in-person workshop and three virtual follow-up sessions.
In-Person Launch Workshop
May 7, 2026
A full-day interactive workshop featuring:
- Value proposition development
- Customer discovery
- Market research
- Concept testing
- Founder talks
- Networking opportunities
Included: Breakfast, lunch, and a networking happy hour
Virtual Workshops
May 13, May 20, and May 27, 2026
5 to 6:30 p.m. ET
Three follow-up sessions designed to help participants keep building momentum, including:
- Product development and prototyping
- Marketing and website strategy
- Business models and pricing
These sessions are designed to help participants refine their ideas and move closer to launch or growth.
About Founded Outdoors
Meet Our National Program Partner
Founded Outdoors is a national organization dedicated to helping outdoor entrepreneurs thrive. Through this partnership, Advantage Valley is connecting regional founders to proven expertise, industry insight, and a broader network of support.
Founded Outdoors Highlights:
- Creator of the Embark Accelerator with REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures
- Community of 500+ outdoor founders
- Network of 70+ experienced outdoor industry mentors
This partnership brings national-quality support to entrepreneurs building outdoor businesses right here in Appalachia.
Course Instructors
Katie Doherty
Co-Founder & CEO, Founded Outdoors
Enhao Li
Co-Founder, Founded Outdoors
Why It Matters
Why Outdoor Entrepreneurship Matters
The outdoor recreation industry is a growing economic driver in West Virginia, supporting more than 22,000 jobs and generating approximately $700 million in annual wages and salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Recognizing this opportunity, Advantage Valley is investing in outdoor entrepreneurs to create new businesses and jobs, strengthen tourism and recreation economies, and expand economic opportunity across the region.
Impact Goals:
Create new businesses and jobs
Strengthen tourism and recreation economies
Encourage entrepreneurship in rural communities
Expand opportunity for people who love the outdoors
Apply Today!
If you have been thinking about starting or growing an outdoor recreation business, this is your opportunity to take the next step with expert guidance and a supportive cohort.
Space is limited to 20 participants, and there is no cost to apply.
Questions? Contact the FASTER WV team at Advantage Valley by calling 304-352-1165 or emailing Bryan Shaw about the Accelerator Program!