In a serene lake in Bentonville, Arkansas, John Bledsoe experienced a moment of inspiration. While sitting alone in his boat, fishing, he pondered why there was no app available to connect like-minded anglers who shared a passion for fishing together. This led to the creation of Co-Angler, an online platform designed to assist individuals in finding fishing companions.
Originally from Missouri, Bledsoe is a chemist by profession, and he launched the platform shortly after completing the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program in the autumn of 2023. This program provides support to startups through a series of workshops, mentoring, and product development aimed at preparing them for a successful launch.
For Bledsoe, it wasn’t just the program’s comprehensive approach that proved beneficial, but also the opportunity to gain insights into businesses from various industries and form lasting connections. “Entrepreneurship can be isolating, and being in the company of other founders in a similar position creates a sense of camaraderie,” remarked Bledsoe.
One of the services offered by GORP is non-dilutive seed funding of up to £15,000 per company, a resource that does not require businesses to part with equity.
Additionally, by the spring of 2023, GORP had assisted 25 startups through its cohort program and supported over 300 entrepreneurs with a range of services, including workshops, consulting, and access to co-working spaces.
The autumn 2023 cohort of GORP displayed the most diverse representation to date, with eight companies spanning various sectors. The program aims to foster entrepreneurial communities throughout Arkansas by providing informative workshops, industry events, and access to experienced mentors.
Furthermore, GORP received a £1.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, coupled with an additional £1 million from the State of Arkansas, enabling them to focus on expanding the outdoor recreation economy in four key cities.
This new initiative, known as “GORP ARound the State”, will provide entrepreneurs with training in business development and industry events. GORP is also collaborating with the U of A School of Law to offer sessions on entrepreneurial law, providing guidance on business formation documents and operating agreements for founders.
With the comprehensive support provided, GORP aims to reinforce its mission of fostering the growth and expansion of businesses in Arkansas. This marks a significant step towards promoting innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
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