New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division and ActivateNM Now Accepting Applications for Adventure Pitch 2024
The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, and CNM Ingenuity's ActivateNM are, excited to announce that applications are now open for Adventure Pitch 2024, which will be held during the New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference on September 23-25 in Las Cruces, NM.
Adventure Pitch is an annual funding event that highlights the innovative spirit of startups focused on outdoor recreation, environmental sustainability, and wellness. Eligible participants must be for-profit companies headquartered in New Mexico and must have less than $500,000 in revenue from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
“The Outdoor Recreation Division’s Annual Adventure Pitch is a fantastic opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their creative ideas and contribute to the vibrant outdoor recreation community in New Mexico" says Karina Armijo, Director of the Outdoor Recreation Division for the State of New Mexico. "We look forward to seeing the exciting ideas that will help enhance outdoor experiences and support sustainable growth in this vital sector."
This year, five finalists will be chosen from the original pool of applicants and then present on the main stage during the first day of the conference to over 400 attendees, including investors, economic developers, peers, and potential customers. The finalists will each give a five-minute pitch presentation that will be judged on various criteria including an evaluation of the team, market potential, product uniqueness, traction, and competitive advantage. The first-place startup will take home a $10,000 cash prize, second place will receive $3,000, and third place will receive $2,000.
“One of the biggest changes about this year’s Adventure Pitch is finalists will be presenting on the first day of the conference rather than the last, giving them more opportunities to connect with other attendees and participate in the conference sessions,” says Lindsay Humphries, Senior Program Manager for ActivateNM. “Outdoor New Mexico is also providing booth space for the Adventure Pitch finalists, so they will have the chance to 'pitch' their businesses more than once.”
With just a little over a month until Adventure Pitch, Humphries is looking forward to this year's competition and excited about highlighting the importance of the outdoor industry in New Mexico.
“This event is so important because it really showcases everything the outdoor recreation industry can bring to New Mexico,” Humphries says. “Along with the economic benefits of the industry, New Mexico is in the unique position to elevate the outdoor recreation industry to the next level, and the conference and Adventure Pitch are both perfect examples of that.”
Applications are open until August 23, 2024, at 11:59 PM MST. Finalists will be announced on August 28. Five businesses 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