Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has announced the six startup finalists for the 2023 Adventure Pitch event, in collaboration with CNM Ingenuity and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD). These startups will compete for cash prizes totaling $15,000 and are dedicated to outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, or health and wellness, according to a press release by CNM.
According to Central New Mexico Community College, the first-place startup will receive a cash prize of $10,000, while second place will be awarded $3,000, and third place will receive $2,000.
The six startup finalists for the 2023 Adventure Pitch event have been named as Bowdacious Bowrest, Buttnski, GILZ LLC, Rezosystems, SnowyOptics Inc., and Trail 9 Outdoors, according to CNM's press release.
The Adventure Pitch event, scheduled for October 25 as part of the Outdoor Economics Conference, will provide the six participating startups with the opportunity to deliver a five-minute pitch to a panel of judges. The panel will consist of investors, economic developers, outdoor professionals, and accomplished entrepreneurs.
The finalists were selected based on specific criteria, including their potential for high growth, a core product or service related to outdoor recreation, the environment, or health and wellness, and being headquartered in one of the states: New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Texas, or Oklahoma.
The Adventure Pitch event is an innovative way to support and strengthen New Mexico's outdoor recreation industry, according to AJ Jones, ORD Marketing Coordinator. Jones stated in the press release, "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."
While the cash prize is a significant reward for the winners, the organizers emphasize that the biggest prize is the feedback and relationships formed with investors and fellow founders. T.J. Cook, a principal event organizer and the Fund Manager for CNM Ingenuity's Venture Fund, expressed this sentiment in the press release.
The Adventure Pitch event promises to showcase the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of outdoor startups, contributing to the growth of the outdoor recreation industry and the overall economy of the region.