ActivateNM and New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Hosting ActivatOR 2025, a Free Bootcamp for Outdoor Recreation Businesses
CNM Ingenuity’s Activate NM and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) have partnered for the second year in a row to host ActivatOR, a free 12-week hybrid business accelerator tailored to New Mexico outdoor recreation businesses.
ActivatOR 2025 is an outdoor recreation business bootcamp sponsored by the New Mexico ORD of the Economic Development Department. The curriculum will bring together between 16 to 20 outdoor recreation companies from August through November for a mix of online classes and in-person networking in Albuquerque. The tailored business training will culminate on November 6 with Adventure Pitch Fest, a networking and live pitch event where participants can apply for the chance to win cash and learn from an experienced bench of judges.
“ActivatOR is part of a broader strategy to strengthen New Mexico’s outdoor recreation industry,” said Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. “In its second year, the program offers outdoor businesses—whether they’re building gear, guiding experiences, or creating new services—a chance to level up their operations, connect with mentors, and gain the tools they need to thrive long-term.”
Over the course of 12 weeks, ActivatOR participants will attend a series of virtual workshops along with regular one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry experts. There will be three in-person networking opportunities to meet peers within the New Mexico outdoor industry.
“New Mexico’s outdoor recreation industry is a powerhouse,” says Axie Navas, manager for ActivatOR 2025. “The purpose of this bootcamp is to help everyone from start-ups to established companies refine their business plans, bring jobs to the state, and hone their competitive edge.”
New this year, all graduates of ActivatOR are guaranteed the opportunity to showcase at Adventure Pitch Fest, providing them with exposure to retailers, wholesalers, investors, and consumers. ActivatOR graduates can also apply for a chance to participate in the live pitch competition where $15,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the best onstage pitches from New Mexico outdoor recreation companies. This year's event will be held in Albuquerque on November 6.
Applications for ActivatOR are being accepted now through July 18. Finalists to participate in the accelerator will be announced by August 1.
Learn more and apply now!
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
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.