GORP Founder Showcase Fall 2026
Celebrating Northwest Arkansas's Outdoor Entrepreneurs
Join us for the Fall 2026 GORP Founder Showcase, an evening celebrating eight entrepreneurs building innovative businesses connected to the outdoor economy.
Over the past 12 weeks, these founders have been working to launch, strengthen, and grow their businesses through the GORP Incubator in Northwest Arkansas. Now, they're taking the stage to share their stories, progress, and vision for what's next.
The Founder Showcase is more than a pitch event. It's an opportunity to connect with emerging businesses, meet the people behind them, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit helping grow our region's outdoor economy.
What to Expect
Founder Presentations: Hear directly from eight outdoor entrepreneurs about their businesses, progress, and future plans.
We'll also premiere short documentary-style founder stories produced by talented University of Arkansas School of Journalism and Strategic Media students.
Community Connections: Meet founders, mentors, industry leaders, and others supporting entrepreneurship and outdoor recreation.
Celebration: Recognize the hard work, creativity, and accomplishments of our Fall 2026 cohort.
Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.
Event Details
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Compton Gardens | Bentonville, Arkansas
Evening Schedule:
5:00–5:30 PM | Doors Open & Networking
5:30–7:30 PM | Founder Showcase
7:30–8:00 PM | Networking & Celebration
This event is free and open to the community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, outdoor industry professional, potential investor, community partner, or simply interested in supporting local businesses, we'd love to have you join us.
Please RSVP to help us plan for the evening.
About GORP
The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), part of the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, supports entrepreneurs building businesses connected to the outdoor economy. Through incubation, mentorship, technical assistance, and connections to resources, GORP helps founders turn ideas into sustainable businesses while strengthening Arkansas's outdoor economy.