Webinar: Building Entrepreneur Friendly Communities in the Outdoor Recreation Sector

Monday, December 8, 2025, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)

Building Entrepreneur Friendly Communities in the Outdoor Recreation Sector

Gwynn Stewart, Alpha Eta Chapter, Ohio and team members: Nancy Bowen-Ellzey (OH), Myra Moss (OH), Kyle White (OH), Ami Choi (MN), & Neil Linscheid (MN)

Building Entrepreneur Friendly Community for the Outdoor Recreation Sector shares a community-based entrepreneurship curriculum tailored to the growing Outdoor Recreation (OR) Economy which represents 2.3% of the U.S. Gross DomETic Product (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). Gateway communities near protected areas and public lands are crucial for supporting outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism but often face limited technical assistance and resources. Funded by a grant, two universities collaborated to customize the curriculum to help gateway and rural communities leverage OR economic opportunities. This session explores curriculum adaptations and strategies to strengthen economic resilience and promote growth in these communities.