Imagine an outdoor community where diversity is the norm - not the exception. Where anti-racism is embedded in how we lead, build, and connect. Where everyone, regardless of origin, skin colour, or language, feels safe and welcome in nature.

This future doesn’t just happen. We build it. Together.

The OUTO Changemaker Programme 2026 is a 12-week journey designed to support PoC changemakers in turning ideas into impactful projects within the outdoor sector.

Through hands-on learning, expert guidance, and a strong community, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to create meaningful change.

- Build your project with practical tools and expert support

- Connect with a diverse and values-driven community

- Gain visibility within the outdoor industry

- Strengthen your confidence as a leader 

- Access opportunities to present your work to brands and at events

If you reply positively to any of these questions, then the programme is for you.

- Are you part of an underrepresented community? 

- Are you motivated to break down barriers to outdoor access?

- Are you looking to set up a business or initiative in the outdoor space?

- Do you have an understanding of the problem your community may be experiencing? 

- Do you have the time and space for this course?

- Do you live and plan to run your initiative in the United Kingdom?

Participation is completely free.

The programme is funded by OUTO and its brand partners.

1. The Application Form: between June 1 to July 3, 2026, you can submit the first step through this form. The form asks about your idea/initiative, the community it relates to, and your hopes for this programme. It is a first glance at who you and your potential idea is. Organisations will know by July 4th if they are selected to the next round.

2. Interviews: Between July 6 to 10, there will be a 30-minute interview to get to know your idea/initiative on a deeper level. This interview will delve into your initiative, the barriers to the outdoors or to scaling your initiative, and how the programme may help you. It is an open and fluid conversation. Organisations will know by July 14 if they are selected to the next round. If you are selected, you will be asked to make a 60 second video that gives a brief overview. This is a simple, non-high production value video.

3. Council Evaluation: OUTO is supported by an active and amazing council (9 council members). In this round, the council will review the selected organisations through a short bio and the video. The Council will give final approval to 15 organisations. 

The 15 organisations will be selected by July 24, 2026 and be given a week to confirm participation in the programme. There is a possibility of a waitlist if an organisation can’t make the course.

A 12-week support programme for PoC individuals developing projects in the outdoor sector, focused on inclusion, access, and social impact; for example, on topics such as diversity, inclusion, participation, empowerment, or anti-racism. Through interactive workshops, individual mentoring, and a strong community, you will gain the necessary know-how to professionally develop your initiative.

Who can participate in the programme?

- Are you part of an underrepresented community? 

- Are you motivated to break down barriers to outdoor access?

- Are you looking to set up a business or initiative in the outdoor space?

- Do you have an understanding of the problem your community may be experiencing? 

- Do you have the time and space for this course?

- Do you live and plan to run your initiative in the United Kingdom?

The programme starts on September 8, 2026 and ends on December 18, 2026.

It consists of:

- Weekly workshops on every Tuesday, 18:30–20:30 BST, online on topics such as social business models, resources, communication, and pitching.

- Lunch & Learn sessions with experts and outdoor brands (Fridays, 12:00–12:45 BST) on giving context to the outdoor community

- 1:1 mentoring with sparring partners from the industry

- Community dialogue through online hub for exchange amongst changemakers

- Closing event & pitch at Brand x OUTO event (including travel support)

Participation is completely free. The program is made possible by Opening Up The Outdoors (OUTO) and our brand partners.

- You will gain access to a diverse network in the outdoor sector

- You will further develop your project with practical support and tools

- You will receive organizational support from coaches and mentors

- You strengthen your visibility and impact as a changemaker

- Strategic-thinking skills

- Communication skills 

- Marketing skills

- Community-engagement

- Selling skills and or resource mobilisation

- Partnership creation & management

- Pitching skills

- Operational skills

- Leadership and facilitation skills

The OUTO Changemaker Programme is specifically designed for PoC individuals in an outdoor context. Unlike general startup or accelerator programs, OUTO focuses specifically on:

- Anti-racism, inclusion and representation in the outdoor sector

- Community building & collective learning instead of competition

- Industry-specific mentoring by people from the outdoor sector

- Integration into the OUTO community (pan-European network for outdoor justice)

Here you not only get tools for your project, but also a safe space for further development and networking with like-minded people.

Gillian Rosh - gillian.rosh@openinguptheoutdoors.com