Embark Program 2025 for Entrepreneurs

📖 About the Embark Program

Embark is a virtual, 3-month program designed to support new and aspiring entrepreneurs from Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The program provides resources and guidance to transform early-stage ideas into viable businesses.

Developed in collaboration between REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures and Founded Outdoors, the Embark program is an immersive accelerator tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs in the outdoor industry. Over the course of three months, participants will receive:

• Expert guidance
• Supportive mentorship
• A thriving community
• A $5,000 non-dilutive grant to help turn their business ideas into reality

This program is a launchpad to build a values-driven company that fosters a more inclusive and diverse outdoor industry.

🗓️ Opportunity Details

• Date Published: June 6, 2025
• Application Deadline: June 18, 2025
• Category: Entrepreneurs, Grants
• Eligible Locations: United States

🎁 Benefits of the Embark Program

Participants in the Embark Program will enjoy the following benefits:

• Community:
  Meaningful collaboration with up to 20 early-stage entrepreneurs. Share learnings, find accountability partners, and motivate one another.

• Guidance:
  Over three months, participants will engage in workshops, fireside chats, and office hours. Learn best practices from industry, startup, and domain experts while receiving valuable feedback on your business.

• Financial Support:
  Upon completing the program, founders will receive a $5,000 grant to invest in building their companies.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Embark Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Stage of Business:

  • Have a business idea at the design or prototype stage and are serious about turning it into a company within the next six months, OR
  • Have started a company in the last year but have not yet begun manufacturing and have made less than $20,000 in revenue.

• Type of Business:
  Building a product, service, or experience that inspires and equips people in their lives outside, including but not limited to:

  • Gear, apparel, furniture
  • Mobile apps, websites, e-commerce, retail
  • Outdoor experiences, services
  • Food and beverage, skincare, etc.

• Identity:
  Identify as a person of color from Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, or Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

• Location:
  Based in the United States (U.S. citizenship is not required). Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

📝 Application Process

The application process is designed to understand:

• Who you are
• Your vision
• Why you are passionate about what you are building

The goal is to get a complete picture of you and how the Embark Program can help you and your idea grow.

How to Apply:

• Visit the Embark Program Application Portal for more details.
• Submit your application via this form.

📅 Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 18, 2025

🌟 Sponsor Organization

The Embark Program is sponsored by Recreational Equipment (REI).

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality while contributing to a more inclusive and diverse outdoor industry!

• Community: The program nurtures meaningful collaboration among up to 20 early-stage entrepreneurs. Share learnings, find accountability partners, and motivate one another.
• Guidance: Over the course of three months of workshops, fireside chats, and office hours, you'll learn best practices from industry, startup, and domain experts. In addition, you'll get valuable feedback on your business.
• Financial support: Upon completing the program, Founders will receive a $5,000 grant to invest in building their companies.