Catapult Outdoor Accelerator launches first cohort at ICELab

The Catapult Outdoor Accelerator is a business-mentoring program that nurtures startups by providing training, marketing, operational support and networking.

Along with the ICELab, the accelerator will be run by:

• Emerald Expositions, Outdoor Retailer operator
• Outdoor Industry Association, a membership-driven trade organization
• Active Interest Media, which produces events and magazines reaching 40 million followers a month
• Moosejaw Mountaineering, an outdoor retailer

The first class of the Catapult Outdoor Accelerator will enroll in a 12-week mentoring program, run by the ICELab beginning this month. Classes will be held on location at Western’s campus and in Active Interest Media’s Boulder office.

Participating companies are:

• Gearo, a digital marketplace where customers can find and book gear rentals from independent retailers
• Revel Gear, a mobile solar power company with a humanitarian mission
• Hustle Bike, a company developing a new type of bike pedal
• Geyser Systems, a company developing a mobile hot shower system

The ICELab also will provide office space during Gunnison sessions, as well as Colorado investor networking opportunities.

Other benefits of the accelerator include:

• Free exhibitor space at the Outdoor Retailer show
• Free annual membership to the Outdoor Industry Association
• Free marketing services packages provided by Active Interest Media
• Free guidance on merchandising, pricing and distribution from Moosejaw Mountaineering

About the ICELab

The ICELab is an established provider of accelerator programming and instruction, based in Gunnison at Western Colorado University.