Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW), the nation’s first and longest-running outdoor industry accelerator, is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort.
BOW is seeking emerging outdoor product companies to join the 2026 program, which runs from February to May. Selected participants will benefit from personalized mentorship by BOW’s core team of industry founders and expert advisors. The program features a 14-week intensive curriculum.
Each cohort is tailored to meet the unique needs of participating companies. Through deep-dive discovery meetings and collaborative curriculum planning, BOW provides one-on-one guidance and strategic support in key business areas — including legal, financial, marketing, logistics, sales, product development, pitch coaching, and digital strategy.
“At BOW, we don’t just accelerate outdoor companies — we help founders sharpen their vision, strengthen their strategy, and connect with a community that truly understands this industry,” said Gary Bracelin, BOW Co-Founder. “If you’re building something meaningful in the outdoor space, this is where you come to level up.”
Since its founding in 2014, BOW has supported 34 outdoor product companies through its accelerator, boasting an 85% success rate. Four companies have successfully exited, most notably Picky Bars and Cairn, which were acquired by Laird Superfood and Outside, respectively.
Applications are open now through October 31, 2025. Selected companies will be announced on December 1, 2025.
To apply, visit bendoutdoorworx.com.
About BOW:
After assessing common needs from outdoor industry businesses, Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW) was initially conceived in 2013 by Gary Bracelin, a long-time Bend resident and outdoor industry expert. BOW was officially launched in April 2014 when additional industry experts Will Blount, Justin Rae, and Eric Meade joined Bracelin. The founders represent various skill sets and a multitude of experiences with successful organizations. BOW also has a deep pool of extended mentors who lend their expertise periodically, as well as partnerships with White-Summers Law, Price Fronk & Co, LLP, the Relativity Agency, and Algofy Outdoors. BOW is additionally sponsored by Ruffwear, IMC, US Bank, Village Capital, Tokyo Starfish, and Focus on the 40.
BOW’s Manifesto:
We’re dreamers, radicals, achievers, believers, and vanguards with a shared belief and a common goal. We’re an independent organization with an independent spirit—and we love the outdoors. We embrace the unpredictable nature and the grit it takes to navigate the hurdles and obstacles in our industry. In fact, we enjoy it. We’re fearless, but we value vulnerability. We encourage risk, but we support solid strategy. We’re not even remotely interested in the status quo. We’re interested in lending our expertise, our stories, and our respect for the crazy-but-we-love-it volatility of the outdoor industry to help our companies adapt, adjust, and achieve. We’re here to lead outdoor industry entrepreneurs.
