The University of Arkansas’s Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) has unveiled its Spring 2026 cohort, and if this class is any indication, Arkansas’s outdoor economy is just getting warmed up.
Now in its eighth round, GORP is a 12-week outdoor business incubator run through the UA Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The program gives selected startups workshop training, mentor access, university interns, and up to $15,000 in non-dilutive seed funding. That’s money founders keep without giving up equity. Since launching in spring 2022, 47 startups have come through the program, and over 85% of GORP companies are still in-market and growing in sales.
This spring’s class of six companies is a tight fit for Arkansas’s strengths: cycling, paddlesports, and outdoor education. Here’s a look at who made the cut.
BikeWhip.com
BikeWhip.com
is solving a surprisingly common problem for cyclists visiting Northwest Arkansas: finding a bike to ride. Founder Jeff Ireland built the platform as a single searchable hub for local bike rentals and used-bike sales, pulling together listings from shops and individuals that are currently scattered across the internet. For a region that’s become one of the premier cycling destinations in the country, this fills a real gap.
Oakdrop
Oakdrop
comes from longtime paddlesports pro Alex Stoeffl, who got tired of fighting with uncomfortable, clunky spray skirts and decided to design a better one. His debut product is a lightweight skirt built for easier entry and all-day comfort, a small upgrade that kayakers who’ve wrestled with traditional designs will immediately appreciate.
Ozark Float Park
Ozark Float Park
might be the most summer-ready concept in the bunch. Founder Michael Barron is developing a floating inflatable obstacle course on a Northwest Arkansas lake, paired with paddleboard, kayak, and tube rentals. Think of it as a water playground for families and groups, the kind of thing that turns a hot July afternoon into a core memory.
Rewilding Lab
Rewilding Lab takes a quieter approach. Dr. Dana Klisanin leads guided outdoor experiences including forest bathing, sensory awareness hikes, and nature-based creativity sessions, all designed to help people slow down and actually connect with the natural spaces around them. Programs are available for individuals, teams, and organizations, and they’re built for the trail networks NWA already has.
The Wander Outdoor Adventure Hub
The Wander Outdoor Adventure Hub
, from founders William Edgar and Jen Marie, is positioning itself as a full-service basecamp for cycling visitors to Northwest Arkansas. Beyond bike repairs, Wander handles trip logistics, bike setup, and local route guidance. It’s essentially a concierge service for anyone who shows up ready to ride but needs help getting dialed in.
Vault Mobility
Vault Mobility
addresses a problem every cyclist with a nice bike knows well: the anxiety of locking up and walking away. Founder Gabriel Cerasale is deploying smart, secure bike parking hubs at trailheads and destinations across NWA, so riders can actually stop, grab lunch, explore a shop, or hike a connector trail without worrying about their ride.
The 12-week program runs through May. GORP is backed by a $1.4 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation and has previously helped launch notable Arkansas outdoor brands including Gnargo Bikes, Jane Wick, and Yonder Adventure Co.
For more information on GORP, visit entrepreneurship.uark.edu.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
