What happens when an entrepreneurial seed is planted in a prime environment and nurtured by the wisdom of experienced leaders in an emerging industry? The result can be exponential economic impact and sustainable success. The outdoor industry in Bend is blooming as proof that one person’s idea can grow into a successful business that contributes to a thriving community and creates career opportunities for many. Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW) is a catalyst for this particular breed of success; the outdoor sector accounts for $8.4 billion of Oregon’s economy annually.

Bend Outdoor Worx Supports Entrepreneurs and the Outdoor Industry

Celebrating its 10th cohort this year, BOW began as the first business accelerator in the nation dedicated solely to the outdoor industry. With an initial mission to help entrepreneurs, develop the economy and create jobs in the outdoor industry locally, BOW now reaches far beyond Bend, serving some of the most exciting brands across the industry.

“When we launched BOW, it came from a place of genuine passion. We weren’t looking to create a typical business incubator, we wanted to build something authentic that gave outdoor start-ups tools to be sustainable, successful and scalable,” said Gary Bracelin, BOW founder and mentor.

Gary Bracelin

A 32-year resident of Bend, Bracelin got started in the outdoor business sector when he helped a friend launch Epic, a skateboard and surf brand. When snowboarding exploded onto the scene, he became one of the first sales representatives in the business, eventually building a sales agency that represented more than 30 brands. Bracelin moved into leadership positions with larger outdoor brands, managing sales teams and international relationships. Shifting into consulting and mentoring was a natural extension of everything he had learned.

“Nothing beats working directly with entrepreneurs, helping them avoid common pitfalls, navigate the loneliness of building something from scratch and ultimately watching them succeed,” Bracelin said. “Their energy and passion are contagious. It feeds my soul to be part of their journey.”

Mentoring companies like Picky Bars and Cairn that went from idea seeds planted to full-grown trees that made gainful exits, BOW has an 89% success rate with 31 of the 35 accelerator program businesses still operating.

An example of BOW’s effectiveness, Robert Axle Project is a bicycle industry start-up that manufactures thru axles for all types of bikes. The business has maintained sustainable growth since its participation in the cohort program in 2015, even acquiring a second company, Old Man Mountain, which produces bikepacking gear including racks, bags and accessories. Robert Axle Project was born in co-founders Katy Bryce and Chris Kratsch’s garage in Bend as a solution to an issue the bike industry had overlooked. The business evolved from an idea to an employer of 14 people in the commercial building Bryce and Kratsch now own.

“Bend Outdoor Worx was a huge help to us. Neither of us came from a business background, so we had to learn margins, sales channels, trademarks, finance, all of it,” said Bryce, CEO and co-owner of the companies. “We got connected to key resources like lawyers, CPAs and insurance resources in addition to our mentors. We were also the first company to win BOW Pitch Night. That $10,000 helped a ton.”

Oregon’s total gross domestic product, the value of goods produced and services provided during a year, was $262 billion in 2023, with the outdoor industry making up 2.6% of that revenue and providing 72,925 jobs, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

“We need diverse businesses that provide jobs for people living here. Product companies provide a unique situation in that they can employ people of various education, training and skill levels,” Bryce said. Ryan Price of Broke Supply Co., a member of the 2023 BOW cohort, shared that “BOW pushed us to look at the entirety of our business, not just the exciting and creative aspects. The process helped us to explore weaknesses and develop them into strengths.” While the outdoor industry faces challenges, Bracelin believes that the next five years will deliver another wave of growth.

“Tariffs are a top concern across the industry, and logistics are always a challenge. Production financing is another hurdle that many early-stage brands face. But the outdoor industry is inherently scrappy and resilient. At BOW, we help entrepreneurs find creative, sustainable ways to overcome those barriers and keep moving forward,” Bracelin said. “Bend has truly become a hub for outdoor innovation, and that was always our vision.”

With the 2025 BOW cohort being the largest to date, the future looks promising for the outdoor industry.

Bracelin remarked, “Oregon has been a pioneer in outdoor products and apparel. That innovation continues today, and it’s deeply tied to our lifestyle, economy and state identity. Through hands-on mentorship and real-world guidance, BOW plays a vital role in helping these companies thrive, supporting a sector that’s increasingly recognized as an economic engine for Oregon.”

Bend Outdoor Worx 2025 Cohort

While Bend Outdoor Worx has worked with businesses from as far away as Alaska, New York, Tennessee and Texas, the 2025 cohort is the largest in BOW’s history, and all nine companies hail from Oregon—eight are from Central Oregon.

Eyeonize: A caffeinated, mentholated under-eye balm designed for adventure seekers, providing comfort and invigoration for dry or fatigued eyes.

GiddyUp Glove: Gloves designed to let you enjoy your favorite drink in the cold without freezing your hand.

Howl at the Spoon: This company from Portland, Oregon, offers portioned, gourmet-quality sauce singles for outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate meals.

SnoPlanks: An independent Northwest snowboard brand now operated by students at Oregon State University-Cascades.

Snowshoe Labs: A premium leather conditioner that protects, waterproofs and keeps leather soft and supple, enhancing durability for outdoor adventures.

Snunny: An outdoor gear company founded on a storm-ready, waterproof butt pad—engineered for comfort in harsh weather conditions. 

Spiral Wax: All-natural, PFAS-free snowboard wax, handmade by riders for riders in Bend, Oregon.

StoryBooth Experience: A pop-up podcast studio for events, designed to capture voices, stories and memories that last a lifetime.

Wanderhut Vehicle equipment: A car camping solution that offers an alternative to rooftop tents, vans and traditional setups.