The University of Arkansas’ Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Project (GORP), the school’s flagship business incubator for outdoor recreation startups, is accepting applications for its spring 2026 cohort as the program returns with new multi-year funding.
GORP is resuming operations with support from a $1.4 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, which will fund the program over the next three years and support five cohorts. Since launching in spring 2022, GORP has served nearly 50 companies spanning outdoor education services, cycling and climbing concepts, and product manufacturing.
“GORP has become synonymous with outdoor-rec startups in Arkansas,” said Phil Shellhammer, executive director of the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI), which oversees the program through the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
The spring 2026 cohort will run for 12 weeks, from March 3 to May 19, with applications open now through Feb. 9. Companies selected for the cohort can receive up to $15,000 in non-dilutive seed funding per business to support needs such as marketing, legal fees, branding, and equipment.
GORP’s organizers said the program’s value extends beyond capital, pointing to mentorship access, leadership support, and connections to interns as recurring benefits cited by founders in previous cohorts. Over the past three years, GORP reports that more than 85% of participating startups remain in-market, with the majority continuing to grow sales.
Notable GORP alumni include Gnargo Bikes, Jane Wick, Slapchalks, LockStop, Yonder Adventure Co., and Sturdy Used Gear.
In addition to its cohort model, GORP has supported more than 500 entrepreneurs through a la carte offerings such as workshops, networking events, one-on-one consulting, and co-working space access, broadening the program’s reach across Arkansas’ outdoor innovation ecosystem.
KEY QUOTES:
“GORP has become synonymous with outdoor-rec startups in Arkansas. We are excited to see the renewed support from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to keep supporting founders throughout our state.”
Phil Shellhammer, Executive Director, University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
