

R E I Co-op Path Ahead Ventures Embark

It’s time to Embark
You’re the visionary. We’re the team behind you. Embark, a program developed in collaboration between REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures and Founded Outdoors, is the place to launch your outdoor brand.
Embark is a virtual, 3-month program designed to fuel new and aspiring entrepreneurs from Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities as you build a path forward by offering the resources and guidance to turn early-stage ideas into viable businesses.



Not a great fit for Embark? Check out our other programs.
Developed in collaboration



For new and aspiring entrepreneurs
Check out our application criteria:

The Embark experience
See what you’ll experience as part of an Embark cohort of founders.
Founder spotlight
- Dani Biering (she/her)Founder, Quest TrailsQuest Trails equips families with downloadable, curated scavenger hunt trail maps that inspire and engage kids outdoors.
- Keva Niver (she/her)Founder, Boheme RetreatsBoheme Retreats is developing more inclusive and diverse camping spaces that feature renovated vintage campers from the 60's and 70's.
- Hillarie Maddox (she/her)Founder, Black Girl Country LivingBlack Girl Country Living designs experiences to help BIPOC people find healing and connection through the wisdom of Mama Nature.
- Keenan Takahashi (he/him)Founder, ANTIGRAVANTIGRAV is a style-first, climber-owned apparel company that gives back to climbing organizations that help increase climbing access.
Testimonials
Our participants in their own words

"I felt like the program really provided me with the mentorship, network, and resources necessary to establish a solid business foundation to grow BLK Beetles. Finding community as an entrepreneur can be challenging. However, the Embark program created a space where I was able to find a new collection of friends who share and can relate to my entrepreneurial journey."
Samad Hinton (he/him)
Founder, BLK Beetles

"This has been one of the most impactful and beneficial experiences of my creative and entrepreneurial career…WOW what a difference it makes to be in a space where there is such diversity of thought, fresh and interesting perspectives, and wholehearted support and encouragement. I developed a sense of confidence and pride in building my business that would not be anywhere near as strong had it not been for this program. I pushed passed imposter syndrome and self-doubt because I had the support of a diverse and caring community behind me from this program."
Reena Badyal (she/her)
Founder, Panj River Provisions

"The Embark program has given Eztia an invaluable network of support and mentorship within the outdoors industry. We've built 1:1 relationships with trade show producers, running experts, and other legendary veterans in outdoor recreation."
Tiffany Yeh (she/her)
Founder, Eztia
Getting started
Applications are now closed.
Speakers & mentors
There is enormous value in building your network, so we bring in industry, startup, and functional speakers and mentors for fireside chats, panels, and office hours. Below are some of our past and present speakers and mentors.
- Dani Reyes-AcostaFounder, Nomad CreativaJem FleuryCreative, Summit Dry GoodsGloria HwangCEO, Thousand HelmetsNailah BladesFounder, Color Outside
- Adrienne FischerPrincipal Attorney, Basecamp LegalAlice JamesCEO & Founder, Alice James GlobalAlina SerebryanyCEO & Co-Founder, Echo EchoAlyssa RavasioCEO & Founder, Hipcamp
- Dan KihanyaDirector, Path Ahead VenturesBreanne AcioCEO, SēkrJeff WigunaCEO & Co-Founder, Kuju CoffeeJen GureckiCEO & Co-Founder, Coalition Snow
- Jennifer KriskeFounder, Machines for FreedomJenny VerrochiCo-Founder, Wild Barn CoffeeJulia Clark DayExecutive Director Business Development Sports, The NPD GroupKarrin SporerCategory Merchandise Manager, REI
- Kay RodriguezFounder & CEO, Urban OutdoorsKeenan CorriganSenior Program Manager, Path Ahead VenturesKim MillerCEO, ScarpaLauren BelforProgram Manager, Affiliate and Influence Marketing, REI
- Marguerite Pressley DavisFounder & CEO, Finance SavvyMark BolesOwner, Intrinsic ProvisionsMartha M. GarciaFounder & CEO, I Am CollectiveMelanie StrongManaging Partner, Next Ventures
- Miranda WebsterAssociate Producer, REIMolly KocialskiDirector, Rocky Mountain Regional U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeNancy MoricetteFounder, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Strategies, Ase Power ConsultPeter DeringFounder & CEO, Climate Neutral; Co-Founder, Peak Design
- Sirena RolfeFounder, Tempus HoundSusan VisconVP & Executive Director, Path Ahead VenturesTodd MendozaSenior Innovation Prototyper, REI
The Embark curriculum
Customer
Interview
Market
Testing
Prototype
Business Model
Pricing
Brand
Go-To-Market
Social Media
Finance
Pitching
Weekly programming
Workshops
(Required)
Live workshops on key company building skills and best practices.
Office Hours
(Optional)
Get insights and feedback on your business from industry and domain experts.
Fireside Chats & Peer Groups
(Required)
Each week you will alternate between learning from the stories and experiences of successful founders and industry experts & meeting with peers in your cohort.
2025 timeline
May 19
Applications open (reviewed on a rolling basis)
June 18
Applications due (11:59pm PT)
July 11
Founders notified of their acceptance into the program
Sept 4
Program starts with in-person kick-off at REI HQ
Nov 21
Program ends with a virtual graduation event
Frequently asked questions
Please email pathaheadventures@rei.com.
No, you must have an idea to apply for this program. If you do not yet have a business idea, try this brainstorm exercise from Founded Outdoors, work on your idea, and apply next year!
If your company is still in the early stages (pre large-scale manufacturing, doesn’t have more than $20k revenue, and/or has not raised funding in exchange for equity and if you are excited about group learning and supporting your peers, we think you will find value in the curriculum and welcome you to apply.
Not at this time. The Embark program is only for founders who are building for-profit companies.
Please e-mail general@foundedoutdoors.com to discuss your specific situation and the accommodations that are needed.
Unfortunately, the application, programming and materials are in English, and at this time we can't provide translation services. If you have any questions, please e-mail general@foundedoutdoors.com.
Yes, if both you and your co-Founder can make the time commitment, you both can apply. Please only submit one application and note that only one $5,000 grant will be awarded to the team. It is okay if your co-founder is not a member of one of the underrepresented communities listed above.
We’re looking for founders or leaders who are from a historically underrepresented group and have relevant experience and expertise. We’re looking for a compelling product or clearly articulated solution in a category related to the outdoor sector. For more information on what to include in your application, check out this resource page.
The Embark program is entirely virtual. Workshops, office hours and fireside chats will be hosted on Zoom.
You can expect to commit 10 hours a week to attending program sessions and working on your company. The program includes mandatory weekly workshops (2 hours a week), mandatory alternating fireside chats and peer groups (1 hour a week), and optional weekly office hours (1-2 hours a week), in addition to time spent working on your company outside of scheduled sessions.
We understand that unexpected things come up or you may have prior commitments. You are allowed to miss 1 of each type of weekly session (workshop, fireside chat, and peer group). We do expect you to watch the recordings of the workshops and fireside chats and to catch up on the work so that you can get the most benefit from the three month program.
We totally understand that life events happen, so we encourage you to let us know if you need to take some time out. If you can’t complete the program, there will be no charge back to the participant, however we stress that this will be a last resort situation. We expect you to do everything reasonably possible to complete the course. If you do have to drop out, you will not be eligible to receive the $5,000 grant.
No, there is no cost to participate in the program.
After completing Embark, participants will transition to the Path Ahead Ventures Founder Community, where they will have access to further engagement, growth, and programming opportunities. This includes three months of ongoing office hours with the Founded Outdoors team. Alumni will also be invited to the Founded Outdoors Slack Community which has a membership of hundreds of outdoor entrepreneurs from across the US.
We do not take equity or ownership in your company.
Through Embark participants will get to connect with and learn from REI team members across the Co-op. However, the Path Ahead Ventures team is separate from the merchandising teams who manage current vendor relationships and make purchasing decisions on behalf of REI.
Want to get in touch? pathaheadventures@rei.com