In 2024, the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) is expanding beyond its Bentonville roots, marking a pivotal moment in Arkansas' outdoor recreation economy. Established by the University of Arkansas' Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the program utilizes the region's rich natural resources to broaden its impact across the state in its latest venture, GORP Around the State. As GORP expands, it aims not only to enhance its offerings but also to create a dynamic outdoor recreation industry that promotes entrepreneurship and drives economic growth throughout Arkansas.
Cultivating statewide economic growth
GORP's journey from a local NWA initiative to a statewide force speaks to the powerful impact of the outdoor industry. Leading this ambitious expansion is Elizabeth Quinn, who serves as senior program manager for GORP Around the State. She joins at a promising time—GORP received a $1.2 million federal grant in November of 2023 to support the program's development across the region. Arkansas then matched that grant with a $1 million supplement.
GORP's growth aligns strategically with the Natural State's broader economic vision. The program is actively engaging with four state-designated opportunity zones, each chosen for its potential to flourish into an outdoor recreation hub: Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Petit Jean State Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and the Delta Heritage Trail.
Quinn emphasizes the program's commitment to community engagement, "I've been trying to spend a lot of meaningful time in these regions and get to know the people because they each have a unique set of entrepreneurial support needs."
Customizing business development
While GORP's flagship 12-week incubator program in Bentonville has been a cornerstone of its success, Quinn and her team recognize that one size doesn't fit all. She explains, "GORP Around the State takes the idea of what business incubation is and tailors it to these communities."
The state's Office of Outdoor Recreation has been a close partner throughout the expansion. "Collaborating with the University of Arkansas' GORP Around the State program aligns perfectly with our mission to grow the outdoor economy and is vital for driving innovation and entrepreneurship in our outdoor recreation sector," shares Katherine Edwards, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, "We are proud to support this endeavor, which not only enhances outdoor experiences but also is cultivating a vibrant industry that supports local economies."
Quinn underscores the state's involvement, noting, "Arkansas has created the Natural State Initiative Advisory Council for furthering the outdoor recreation economy because it has been growing rapidly for the past few years. The state wants to activate those resources and expand."
Empowering entrepreneurs with legal support
GORP's success has been significantly enhanced by its collaboration with the U of A School of Law, a partnership that Elizabeth Quinn highlights as a crucial aspect of the program. Operating in alignment with GORP's broader initiatives, the Entrepreneurial Law Project (ELP) allows outdoor recreation startups across the state access to foundation legal support, from education on entity selection to operating agreements.
"Our office hears from founders again and again that legal support is their greatest need during their earliest stages," says Quinn, "We wanted to embed the ELP in the overall GORP Around the State initiative to ensure outdoor recreation founders have access to legal education and consultation."
Through workshops and direct client engagements, the ELP combines GORP's business development resources with key legal guidance to help entrepreneurs navigate complex professional landscapes for successful business formation and operation. Quinn strongly believes the ELP addresses a crucial need in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, "Legal services are a vital component to building and operating a business. It's also one of the most prohibitive because it's so expensive, and this project provides pro bono legal services for entrepreneurs who need them."
Building momentum for the future
GORP's expanded programs have benefited the students at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Graduate assistants have been able to actively participate in the program, gaining valuable real-world experience in entrepreneurship and outdoor recreation business development.
Additionally, the Venture Intern Program initiative has provided opportunities for students to work directly with outdoor recreation startups, further enriching their educational experience.
As GORP continues to establish itself in these new communities, it's poised to play a crucial role in shaping Arkansas' outdoor recreation economy and supporting entrepreneurs across the state. The program looks forward to future growth and continuing to adapt its model to meet the diverse needs of each community it serves.
Quinn agrees, "The GORP Around the State initiative is huge. I think it has the ability to deeply impact many people."
Meghan Perry is the marketing and communications specialist for the Sam M. Walton
College of Business. She facilitates press releases, digital content and dean communications
to promote the work of the students, faculty and staff (always with a cup of coffee
or two in hand).