Six outdoor startup companies are set to compete at the 2023 Adventure Pitch in Santa Fe. The event, organized by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division and Central New Mexico Community College Ingenuity, will take place today, October 25.
The startups, selected as finalists, will present their business ideas to a panel of judges. This panel includes investors, economic developers, outdoor professionals, and entrepreneurs. Each company has five minutes to pitch their concept.
The companies competing are Bowdacious Bowrest, Buttnski, GILZ LLC, Rezosystems, SnowyOptics Inc., and Trail 9 Outdoors. They are vying for cash prizes, with the first place set to receive $10,000, the second place $3,000, and the third place $2,000.
Judges will evaluate the pitches based on market potential, team strength, and potential impact on New Mexico. The event aims to highlight and support innovation in the state’s outdoor recreation industry.
ORD is proud to offer the Adventure Pitch to outdoor startups as an innovative way to bolster New Mexico’s outdoor recreation industry,” said AJ Jones, ORD marketing coordinator.
“Adventure Pitch continues to bring out the best in outdoor ingenuity in the region, supporting an increase in job opportunities and outdoor recreation income. These businesses have a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.”
The significance of the outdoor recreation industry to New Mexico’s economy is notable. A report from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis stated that the outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico contributes $2.1 billion annually. This figure represents about 2.1% of the state’s GDP.
The 2023 Adventure Pitch is part of the broader 2023 Outdoor Economics Conference in Santa Fe. Jeff Steinborn, the executive director of Outdoor New Mexico, mentioned the conference’s goals, which include exploring outdoor policies and addressing issues like climate change and sustainability.
With the global outdoor recreation industry seeing growth, events like the Adventure Pitch aim to promote and support this sector in New Mexico. The state seeks to leverage its natural resources and outdoor potential for economic benefits.
The Adventure Pitch event in Santa Fe is set to showcase the innovations of six outdoor startups. With significant cash prizes on the line and the opportunity to gain exposure in the industry, the event is a pivotal moment for these companies and the state’s outdoor recreation sector.
Featured image from New Mexico Tourism Department.
I’m really curious about the cool ideas these outdoor startups have for New Mexico. Do you know how the judges are picking the winners at the Santa Fe conference?