Launch Your Brand

+ I have questions about the application. Who should I contact?

Please email general@foundedoutdoors.com.

+ What are the key dates I should know?

Sep 8 - Applications open (and reviewed on a rolling basis)

Oct 8 - Applications due (11:59pm PT)

Oct 19 - Applicants are notified if they are invited to a 30-minute interview

Nov 14 - Founders are notified of their acceptance into the program

Jan 16 - Program starts

Apr 19 - Program ends with a Graduation event

+ Who can apply?

We are working with founders from Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. US citizenship is not required, but founders must be currently living in the United States. We are only accepting applicants 18 years or older.

+ I identify as a person of color, but do not see my identity listed on the application. Can I still apply?

Yes, Path Ahead Ventures supports founders who identify as a person of color. If how you identify is not listed, we ask that you select “My identity is not listed above” and provide how you identify in the open field. We ask this question to ensure we are selecting a cohort that has diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

+ I don't have an idea yet. Can I still apply?

No, you must have an idea to apply for this program. If you do not yet have a business idea, try this brainstorm exercise from Founded Outdoors, work on your idea, and apply next year!

+ I'm starting a non-profit. Is this program for me?

At this time, we're only working with founders who are building for-profit companies.

+ I’ve started a company already. Will I benefit from the program?

If your company is still in the early stages (pre large-scale manufacturing, doesn’t have more than $10k revenue, and/or has not raised institutional funding) and if you are excited about group learning and supporting your peers, we think you will find value in the curriculum and welcome you to apply.

+ I am a person with a disability, and I require accomodations to participate in this program. Can I apply?

For founders who require accommodations, please email general@foundedoutdoors.com.

+ I require language translation assistance. Can I still apply?

Unfortuantely, at this time we cannot support non-English speaking founders. If you have any questions, please email general@foundedoutdoors.com.

+ I have a co-founder. Can I apply with them?

Yes, if both you and your Co-Founder can make the time commitment, you both can apply. Please only submit one application and note that only one $10,000 grant will be awarded to the team. It is okay if your co-founder is not a member of one of the underrepresented communities listed above.

+ What is the criteria you will use to determine acceptance to the program?

We’re looking for founders or leaders who are from a historically underrepresented group and have relevant experience and expertise. We’re looking for a compelling product or clearly articulated solution in a category related to the outdoor sector. For more information on what to include in your application, check out this resource page.

+ Is the program virtual or in-person?

The Embark program is entirely virtual. Workshops, office hours and fireside chats will be hosted on Zoom.

+ What is the time commitment?

You can expect to commit 10 hours a week to attending program sessions and working on your company. The program includes mandatory weekly workshops (2 hours a week), mandatory alternating fireside chats and peer groups (1 hour a week), and optional weekly office hours (1-2 hours a week), in addition to time spent working on your company outside of scheduled sessions.

+ What if I miss one week of the program?

We understand that unexpected things come up or you may have prior commitments. You are allowed to miss 1 of each type of weekly session (workshop, fireside chat, and peer group). We do expect you to watch the recordings of the workshops and fireside chats and to catch up on the work so that you can get the most benefit from the three month program.

+ When will founders receive the $10,000?

Founders selected to participate in Embark will receive grants (equity and interest-free cash infusions) to kickstart their growth in a targeted manner. Participating founders will receive $5,000 at the start of the program and $5,000 the week after the final demo day, based upon their completion of the program. For companies who have two or more Co-Founders participating, only one $10,000 grant (in total) will be awarded to the team.

+ What if I need to drop out of the program?

We totally understand that life events happen, so we encourage you to let us know if you need to take some time out. If you can’t complete the program, there will be no charge back to the participant, however we stress that this will be a last resort situation. We expect you to do everything reasonably possible to complete the course. If you do have to drop out, you will not be eligible to receive the second $5,000 installment.

+ What kind of mentorship will I have access to?

We bring in industry, startup, and functional mentors for fireside chats, panels, and office hours.

+ Do I have to pay for the program?

No, there is no cost to participate in the program.

+ Will I receive support after the program?

After completing Embark, participants will transition to the alumni network, where they will have access to further engagement and growth opportunities. This includes 6 months of ongoing peer groups and office hours with the Founded Outdoors team. Alumni will also be invited to the Founded Outdoors Slack Community which has a membership of 400+ outdoor entrepreneurs from across the US.

+ Do you take equity?

No, we do not take equity or ownership in your company.

+ Do brands participating in Embark have better access to REI Co-op?

Through Embark participants will get to connect with and learn from REI team members across the Co-op. However, the Path Ahead Ventures team is separate from the merchandising teams who manage current vendor relationships and make purchasing decisions on behalf of REI.