Outdoor gear industry to expand in WNC
The outdoor gear industry in Western North Carolina is expected to take off in the coming years thanks to a recently announced grant the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative awarded to Mountain BizWorks.
The $940,000 grant — which joins $787,000 in local matching funds for a total pot of $1.7 million — will fund a project titled “Growing Outdoors: A Regional Approach to Expanding WNC Outdoor Industry and Jobs.” Strategies for boosting the outdoor gear sector will include workforce development, entrepreneurship and access to capital, supply chain optimization and engagement of local economic development practitioners.
Western Carolina University will develop new degree and certificate programs, and area community colleges will promote outdoor industry career pathways. Over the next five years, the project is expected to help start up 35 new outdoor businesses, expand 100 more businesses, train 125 students in new outdoor degree programs, create at least 150 jobs and attract $10 million in new business investment, according to a press release from Mountain BizWorks.
The award will be executed by a partnership led by Mountain BizWorks but also including the Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, WCU, Burke Development, Inc., Graham County Economic Development, Mitchell County Economic Development Commission, the Southwestern Commission, Natural Capital Investment Fund and the N.C. Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Many additional partners will be engaged throughout the project.
