ActivateNM and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Partner to Launch ActivatOR, an Accelerator for Outdoor Recreation Businesses Seeking Growth
CNM Ingenuity’s ActivateNM along with the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division have partnered to create ActivatOR, a free business accelerator tailored to outdoor recreation businesses and start-ups located in or expanding to New Mexico.
“ActivatOR builds on growth incubators and accelerators we’ve done in the past, but what makes it particularly unique is established outdoor recreation businesses can apply as well,” says AJ Jones, Deputy Director of New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division. “Growth is equally as important for active businesses, and ActivatOR was created to help new and seasoned outdoor recreation entrepreneurs elevate their business.”
Over the course of 14-weeks, ActivatOR participants will attend a series of virtual workshops along with weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry experts. They will also have the opportunity to network with others in the outdoor sector.
The first three weeks of the accelerator are “open sprints” that are free and available to the community, even if they don’t apply for the full accelerator program. By attending the first three weeks, businesses and individuals can determine if ActivatOR is the right fit for them and learn about topics including growth mindset, customer discovery, and Lean Startup Methodology.
“Growth doesn’t always mean adding hundreds of employees overnight or increasing profits,” says Lindsay Humphries, Senior Program Manager for ActivateNM. “The purpose of this accelerator program is to help outdoor recreation businesses identify what growth looks like for them, whether that’s hiring an additional employee, refining their customer base, or creating a succession plan.”
ActivatOR participants who attend 10 out of the 13 workshops or mentoring sessions will receive a free ticket to the New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference in September in Las Cruces, NM.
“Hosting an accelerator specifically geared towards the outdoor recreation industry is just another example of the commitment to make New Mexico the location for outdoor recreation businesses and start-ups,” Humphries says. “ActivateNM is thrilled to work with these outdoor entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools and guidance they need to continue to grow and thrive, no matter where they are on their business journey”
Applications for ActivatOR are now being accepted and are due June 27 by 11:59 p.m. Acceptance to the accelerator will be announced on July 8. Fifteen businesses or non-profits will be selected. Learn more and apply.
About New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
The mission of the Outdoor Recreation Division, a division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is to increase equitable access to the outdoors for all New Mexicans, ensuring healthy outcomes, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity. For more information, visit nmoutside.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram at @NMOutdoorRec.
About CNM Ingenuity’s ActivateNM
ActivateNM is a tailored, multi-tiered program that provides guidance, events, and resources to founders and startups across New Mexico. ActivateNM is part of CNM Ingenuity, an economic development arm of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). For more information visit activatenm.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter at @ActivateNM