Kyla Templeton contacted the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, UAF in 2021 for help with her dream to open a mountain biking school in the heart of America’s mountain biking mecca, Bentonville. Bringing a wealth of experience in the sport as the Arkansas League Director for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), she aspired to bring the sport to life for kids of all ages and mimic ski schools and programs in other states. Kyla joined forces with Nat Ross, a World Champion and member of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, to bring weekly classes, camps, and athlete teams that develop the skills of the riders, build community, and compete in national competitions throughout the country.
Needing assistance in writing a business plan and preparing financial projections to start the business, as well as seeking overall guidance in starting their business, she worked with business consultant Lori Lieblong. The ASBTDC, UAF supplied market research as well as guidance in marketing and human resources.
“I loved working with Lori and the ASBTDC – the outside perspective and experience they brought to the plan was helpful in making our plan more robust. Regular meetings also helped keep things moving forward at the pace we wanted,” said Templeton. “The accountability increased the quality of our launch!”
Bike School Bentonville opened in Spring 2022 and currently offers a biking skills development program, Trail Kids, for youth ages 7-13. Student athletes from ages 13-18 prepare to race at their highest potential – including Olympic aspirations – through training at The Academy, a gravity and cross-country performance team. The school is also invested in coaching development to build a community of coaches for mountain bike instruction.
In 2023 they have plans to add additional private lessons, adult lessons, and trail guiding experiences to their programming, along with a full selection of spring break and summer camps. The school presents a great opportunity for residents of Northwest Arkansas and the biking enthusiasts and tourists visiting Northwest Arkansas.