The first outdoor business accelerator in the Eastern U.S. is coming to WNC
Mountain BizWorks and the Outdoor Gear Builders, along with several other partners, are launching the Waypoint Accelerator, the first outdoor business accelerator program in the east and just the third of its kind nationally.
The Waypoint Accelerator will provide support and resources to entrepreneurs who launch outdoor-focused startups, including gear makers and experience providers. Participants will complete a 10-session intensive and have access to mentorship from the region’s existing outdoor industry. Participants will also have access to connections that may provide capital without having to give up any equity in their business.
There is no cost for the first year of the program, which is accepting applications now through August 11. The program is focused on those based in WNC or who are interested in moving to the area. More details and an application form can be found at waypointaccelerator.com.
West Virginia DNR seeks public comment on 12 legislative rules ranging from commercial whitewater rafters to falconry
The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to comment on 12 proposed legislative rules open for review and public comment until July 10, 2019 at 5pm. The rules impact everything from commercial whitewater rafters to the use of public campgrounds. A sampling of the rules include:
The first proposed rule concerns commercial whitewater outfitters. The Whitewater Commission has approved the addition of a section of the Gauley River and a section of the New River by Gauley Bridge to be added to the permitted rental sections on whitewater.
The sixth proposed rule revises the governing of public use of campgrounds. Revisions to the rule are necessary in order to implement the new online campground reservation system.
The 12th proposed rule concerns falconry and includes proposed modifications to the language used to obtain falconry permits, banding raptors for falconry and the taking and trapping of raptors, among other things.
See a summary of all 12 rules here: http://outdoornewsdaily.com/west-virginia-dnr-seeks-public-comment-on-12-legislative-rules/. The rules will be advertised in the State Register and are available to review at the DNR South Charleston and Elkins offices. Written comments are accepted at [email protected].
