The outdoor accelerator Bend Outdoor Worx, has twice as many companies this year participating in its mentorship program.

The Bend mentorship program was awarded grants from Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, to support outdoor business mentoring through funding technical assistance and capacity building.

This year’s cohort includes Bend businesses Eyeonize, GiddyUP Gloves, SnoPlanks, Snowshoe Labs, Sunny, Spiral Wax, StoryBooth and Wanderhut Vehicle, and a Portland business, Howl at the Spoon.

Businesses compete for a year-long slot to receive mentorship specific to each company. Participants also receive guidance from notable outdoor business founders who work with the companies to connect with critical resources such as legal, financial, marketing, branding, logistics and support, sales and marketing and product development.

The accelerator is the brainchild of Gary Braceline, and was launched in 2014 with the help of Will Blount, Justin Rae and Eric Meade.