Funding awarded through READY Grants to Grow program will help obtain skills, knowledge and resources to strengthen WNC’s outdoor economy
The Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC is excited to announce that it is the recipient of a $376,000 grant through Appalachian Regional Commission’s READY Grants to Grow program, designed to strengthen local economies by helping organizations obtain the skills, knowledge and resources to further the region’s outdoor industry and the economic development needs of communities it serves.
More than $11.6 million was awarded to 47 projects to strengthen economically distressed and remote communities in Appalachia, and/or address their own challenges to better serve those communities. The Outdoor Business Alliance’s project – “Expanding Outdoor Business Networks: Strengthening Economic Resilience and Growth Across Western North Carolina (WNC) and Beyond” – will increase the organization’s staff capacity through the contracting of a full time Executive Director, part-time Development Coordinator and project-based Regional Managers in order to improve its services, and expand its reach in the High Country, Catawba, and Smokies regions of Western NC.
“This grant arrives at a pivotal moment for the Outdoor Business Alliance,” says Board Chair, Dorene O’Malley. “Establishing dedicated staff will greatly enhance our capacity to serve our members and drive impactful regional work as we help Western North Carolina rebuild and strengthen its outdoor economy as we look ahead to long term recovery after Hurricane Helene,” she adds.
The Outdoor Business Alliance was founded in 2013 by a small cohort of outdoor gear manufacturers. In 2025, OBA has grown to include more than 170 Western NC companies and organizations. The organization’s immense impact on WNC’s outdoor industry was recently celebrated at the Venture Asheville Venture15 and Asheville Honors Awards in December, where it was awarded “Ecosystem Support Organization of the Year.”
This grant will significantly expand the Outdoor Business Alliance’s capacity to amplify its impact across Western North Carolina and strengthen the region’s outdoor economy through fostering entrepreneurship, building stronger business networks, engaging rural areas, and amplifying opportunities for collaboration across all 31 WNC counties.
About the Outdoor Business Alliance
Throughout the mountain region of Western North Carolina, the Outdoor Business Alliance fosters a prosperous outdoor community by cultivating, connecting, and supporting outdoor industry businesses.
Members include outdoor-focused gear manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, experience providers, non-profits, partners, supporters, and sponsors. Learn more at outdoorbusinessalliance.org.