NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – It’s a trillion-dollar U.S. industry, that New Mexico is now trying to cash in on. The state is partnering with one of New Mexico’s largest colleges to train new outdoor recreation business owners for free.
“You’re getting what you need very quickly, very intensely,” says CNM Senior Program Manager Lindsay Humphries. It’s an intense business accelerator, aiming to grow New Mexico’s slate of outdoor enterprises.
“Typically, accelerators run for startups and early-stage businesses, but we want to help outdoor recreation business in New Mexico who are at any stage of growth,” says AJ Jones, deputy director at the Outdoor Recreation Division.
CNM is starting a new state-funded 14-week program it calls ‘Activator.’ The program starts with a three-week “open sprint” where local outdoor firms learn about a slate of ways they can take their business to the next level.
“You’re going to get a little bit of knowledge around industry trends. Success stories in the OR space,” Humphries says.
That could mean helping businesses reach more customers, hire new employees, or open extra locations. The program is looking for 15 applicants to get one-on-one mentorship from industry experts and a chance to pitch their business for future investment.
“Really talking about all the incentives that there are to be an outdoor rec-based company here in New Mexico and all of the things that come along with that,” says Humphries.
Businesses have to be headquartered in New Mexico to take part. “That could include manufacturing businesses, retail businesses, outfitters, and service providers, hospitality,” says Jones.
In the end, the state hopes to help nearly 50 businesses grow through the program. Anyone interested has until Thursday to apply. More information is available on the CNM website.
