Deadline: June 18, 2025
Applications are open for the Embark Program 2025 for Entrepreneurs in the U.S. Embark is a virtual, 3-month program designed to fuel new and aspiring entrepreneurs from Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities as you build a path forward by offering the resources and guidance to turn early-stage ideas into viable businesses.
Developed in collaboration between REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures and Founded Outdoors, the Embark program is a fully virtual, immersive accelerator designed for early-stage entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities in the outdoor industry. Over the course of three hands-on, high-impact months, you’ll receive expert guidance, supportive mentorship, a thriving community, and a $5,000 non-dilutive grant to help turn your business idea into a reality.
This program is your launchpad to build a viable, values-driven company that helps shape a more inclusive, diverse outdoor industry.
Benefits
- Community: The program nurtures meaningful collaboration among up to 20 early-stage entrepreneurs. Share learnings, find accountability partners, and motivate one another.
- Guidance: Over the course of three months of workshops, fireside chats, and office hours, you’ll learn best practices from industry, startup, and domain experts. In addition, you’ll get valuable feedback on your business.
- Financial support: Upon completing the program, Founders will receive a $5,000 grant to invest in building their companies.
Eligibility
- You have a business idea at the design or prototype stage and are serious about turning it into a company in the next six months OR you’ve started your company in the last year but haven’t yet done manufacturing and have made less than <$20k revenue.
- You are building a product, service, or experience that inspires and equips people in their lives outside including gear, apparel, furniture, mobile app, website, e-commerce, retail, outdoor experience, service, food and beverage, skincare, etc.
- You identify as a person of color from the Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
- You are based in the United States (US Citizenship is not required) and you are at least 18 years old.
Application
The application process is about getting to know who you are, what your vision is, and why you’re passionate about what you’re building. They want a complete picture of who you are and how you think Embark can help you and your idea grow.
For more information, visit Embark.
