Founded Outdoors Connects With Pale Morning Media To Support National Platform For Outdoor Entrepreneurs

Launched in 2021, Founded Outdoors supports emerging businesses nationwide through community, programming and connections, with the goal of increasing access in the outdoor industry as well as in outdoor places. 

“Entrepreneurs need specific skill sets, industry knowledge, and professional connections to drive business growth. Historically, however, access to these resources has been limited based on demographic, geographic, or socioeconomic factors. We're committed to helping a growing community of outdoor entrepreneurs build their companies and have a more supported and successful journey,” said Katie Doherty, Founded Outdoors director of partnerships.

Founded Outdoors community includes over 400 outdoor entrepreneurs at different stages across product categories, and is supported with ongoing knowledge-sharing, peer support, resource databases, and topical workshops and events.

Founded Outdoors facilitates strategic connections between their community and industry leaders, such as state offices of outdoor recreation, economic development agencies, legacy outdoor business founders, and early-stage investors. 

Founded Outdoors structured programming is comprised of both short-term learning events as well as long-term industry initiatives. This recent work includes fundraising, networking, educational founder events, as well as Embark – a 3-month business accelerator done in partnership with REI for new and aspiring outdoor entrepreneurs from Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. 

“Alongside our partners, we’re building the support that makes it possible for entrepreneurs from all different backgrounds to build successful companies. Because when leadership is more representative of humanity, a broader group of people will feel seen, heard, and welcomed in the industry and in the outdoors,” said Enhao Li, Founded Outdoors curriculum director.

Founded in 2001, Pale Morning Media is a strategic communications and public relations agency specializing in the outdoor world. Working with businesses, organizations and individuals, Pale Morning Media increases the quantity and quality of brand visibility. 

“The outdoor industry has long talked about the importance of increased diversity within its ranks of employees and customers, but Founded Outdoors has taken this an important step farther by helping to create new companies, new leaders and a fresh mindset. This openness to new ideas, wherever they may come from, does more than just increase sales. It drives innovation, broadens access, and speaks to communities that haven’t been spoken to before,” said Drew Simmons, president of Pale Morning Media.

For more information on Founded Outdoors, please visit foundedoutdoors.com.