(Photo by Brian Mosbaugh)
Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW), Central Oregon’s outdoor industry accelerator, has chosen companies to participate in the organization’s second session. The companies participating in BOW’s second session include Slackline Technology, a slackline hardware rigging company and the Robert Axle Project, an axle adapter for bike trailers and trainers.
Focusing on local companies as well as businesses in the outdoor industry who would like to move to Central Oregon, BOW offers mentorships, infrastructure, related resources and industry connections to help outdoor companies become more sustainable and successful.
Bow’s inaugural companies included Homeschool Technical Apparel, a technical outdoor apparel company, Cairn, a monthly subscription box service for outdoor enthusiasts and Free Range Backpacks, technical, light-weight backpacks for backcountry/multi-sport athletes. All three companies were chosen to participate in last year’s annual Bend Venture Conference.
At the core of the program is the mentorship from BOW’s industry founders in areas where developing companies may be lacking. Through a process of discovery meetings, analyzation and curriculum building, BOW determines company needs and provides guidance from the founders and extended mentor group. The incubator then supports these companies by aligning them with additional resources needed to succeed, including legal assistance, financial planning, marketing, logistics, sales, marketing, and product development.
Slackline Technology
Slackline Technology was born in the Bivouac Campground at Smith Rock State Park in May 2013. Founder Jason Fautz, along with friends and athletes, was constantly frustrated with equipment available for longline and highline rigging, so began manufacturing slackline specific hardware while diving deeper into safe rigging practices. The company has incorporated many of the ideas used by climbers/climbing gear manufacturers (light, strong, specific yet versatile) to create two unique slackline-specific products with many more on the back burner. To learn more about the business, visit slacklinetechnology.com.
Robert Axle Project
Born out of a passion for bikes and the need for a necessary solution to a bike compatibility problem, the Robert Axle Project makes your bike functional. The authority on attaching bike trailers and trainers to 12mm rear thru-axle equipped bikes, Robert Axle Project fits your specific bike frame and allows you to take your mountain bike on more adventures. To learn more, visit robertaxleproject.com or check out Robert Axle Project on Facebook.
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 Bracelin was joined by five additional industry experts, including Eric Meade, Rick Fredland, Justin Rae, Will Blount and Howard Allred. The six founders represent various skill sets and a multitude of experience with successful organizations. For additional information on BOW, contact Gary Bracelin, gbracelin@gmail.com.
