Outdoor Recreation Business Guide
At ORD, we recognize the vital role outdoor recreation plays in driving economic growth and enriching the quality of life for communities across the state. Through partnerships, investments, and programs like the Outdoor Equity Fund and Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant, we empower local communities and organizations to thrive in this expanding industry. From creating opportunities for outdoor entrepreneurs to funding infrastructure that enhances recreation experiences, ORD is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development. Together, we are building a future where outdoor recreation contributes to healthier communities, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy.
Why New Mexico?
According to a 2023 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report:
New Mexico’s outdoor economy contributed $3.2 billion (2.4% of total GDP) to the state’s GDP, a 6.6% increase from 2022.
Outdoor Recreation employed 29,182 New Mexicans (3.2% of total employment), which provided $1.5 billion in income.
An Outdoor Survey of New Mexicans
- 84% believe the outdoor recreation economy is important for the future of the state and the Western U.S.
- 76% consider themselves an outdoor recreation enthusiast.
- 70% believe that ensuring opportunities for outdoor recreation is important
- 6 8 . 6% of outdoor recreation businesses in New Mexico expect to grow in the next five years.
Inside this guide
This guide gives a big-picture view of the resources and assistance offered by the Outdoor Recreation Division, the larger Economic Development Department, and from some of the many New Mexico partners we work with throughout the state to support outdoor recreation businesses and grow the outdoor economy.
Resources
Activate NM
ActivateNM offers a full suite of services for startups: skills, guidance, community, and connectivity to capital. Connecting with a diverse community of founders, makers, and mentors. is free, and a monthly membership opens the door to a variety of hands-on value. Support for outdoor recreation specific businesses is provided through ActivatOR, a comprehensive small business growth accelerator program funded by ORD. Small OR businesses gain mentorship from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and a framework for growth.
Arrowhead Center
Arrowhead helps innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses at any stage start and grow through their services, resources, expertise, and connections. They are also the technology transfer and commercialization arm of NMSU, working with campus inventors and innovators to protect their work and ensure it reaches the broadest possible markets. While based at NMSU in Las Cruces, NM, they also work with people across the state, providing advice, mentorship, education, and hands-on experiences to pioneer new technologies, businesses, and partnerships.
Business Resource Map
The New Mexico Economic Development Department has an interactive map that offers a comprehensive directory of small business and community support throughout the state. You can find contact information for financial lenders and programs, business support organizations, training and coaching, and timely opportunities throughout New Mexico.
EndeavOR New Mexico
The state’s first outdoor recreation business trade alliance can assist in finding grants, developing connections, and with networking around the state. It was create to expand New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy, engage the outdoor recreation community, and to enhance outdoor recreation experiences. Contact them via phone at 505-501-1330 or by email at director@endeavorNM.org for more details and to register as a member.
New Mexico Tourism Department
The NM Tourism Department provides numerous grants and resources for outdoor recreation businesses. Visit their website for links and contact info.
New Mexico Vintage Fund
NM Vintage Funds provide a specialized pool of local capital for New Mexico-based early-stage and highgrowth companies committed to making a difference here.
NM Economic Development Department Website
Find more details on programs and department-wide resources of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).
NM Outdoor Recreation Division Bi-Weekly Newsletter
Sign up for the latest outdoor recreation news, job openings, funding opportunities, and more throughout the state. We can also provide promotion of outdoor recreation updates for company and industry events, job openings, and announcements. Inquire by emailing our Marketing & Outreach Coordinator.
NM Small Business Development Center
The NMSBDC centers are strategically located throughout New Mexico. NMSBDC staff is comprised of business professionals with small business management and ownership expertise. Introducing New Mexico entrepreneurs to global trade resources, the network offers the International Business Accelerator (IBA), located in Santa Teresa, NM. The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) introduces established business owners to contracting with federal, state, local and county governments.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE mentors are highly successful and seasoned business professionals and entrepreneurs with the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your small business goals. Visit their site to browse resources, sign up for a workshop, or find a business mentor.
Programs
ActivatOR
ActivatOR is a comprehensive small business growth accelerator program funded by ORD in partnership with ActivateNM. Small outdoor recreation businesses gain mentorship from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and a framework for growth in this 12-week hybrid business incubator program.
Creative Startups
Creative Startups accelerates creative entrepreneurs working to build and scale their companies, offering a variety of accelerator programs.
Fuse Makerspace
Located in Downtown Albuquerque, the FUSE Makerspace is a community center with tools that allow members to design, prototype, and create manufactured works. Visitors and members get access to affordable, high-quality classes as well as mentoring from other makers and community members. They believe in fostering the startup spirit in Albuquerque’s Innovation District by creating jobs and supporting businesses. They are invested in stimulating creative thinking and economic growth.
Future Focused Education X3 Internship Program
The Future Focused X3 Team interviews and pairs students with employers based on their interests and your organization’s unique needs. Becoming a mentor to an intern can help shape your ideal future employee and help your organization’s leadership build effective training and management skills. Visit their website for details or contact rebecca@futurefocusededucation.org to learn more and determine if your business would be a good fit.
Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP)
One of the most effective programs of its kind in the country, EDD funds on-the-job training for newly created jobs in expanding or relocating businesses for up to 6 months. Reimbursement is upwards of 50% of the salary paid to the new employee. Some employee characteristics allow a company to increase the reimbursement percentage by 5% for jobs with entry wages that align with the High Wage Job Tax Credit – including any eligible employee who aged out of the NM foster-care system, trainees who have graduated within the past twelve months from a NM institution of higher education, or who are U.S. Veterans.
Only positions approved by the JTIP board are eligible for salary reimbursement. If hiring for new positions, a business must complete a JTIP application 30 days prior to the JTIP board meeting (second Friday of every month). If interested in JTIP, we can help you with the process.
Local Economic Development Act (LEDA)
This discretionary grant is administered by NM’s executive branch. As a grant, it does not need to be paid back, however, since funds are awarded after the work is complete, the company must be able to have the money to pay for the expenses, then EDD can reimburse for all or some of them. The business must collateralize this grant for the duration of the contract with EDD. The philosophical underpinnings are that the company gets the reimbursements through the grant money quickly and early in the contract. The company however commits to not only attaining but maintaining certain performance measures. By statute, EDD must “claw back” some percentage of the grant if a company is not able to retain the jobs committed to.
LEDA eligible expenses are those associated with:
- the acquisition of land
- the acquisition or construction of buildings
- infrastructure or tenant improvements
- mortgages
- rent or lease abatements.
Equipment cannot be paid for through LEDA because the anti-donation clause in the New Mexico Constitution does not allow money flow directly from the state to a business. For that reason, EDD uses a fiscal agent to disburse the money. This fiscal agent will be either the city or county of the facility’s physical location.
Pursuing a LEDA grant will take about 90-120 days, from the time of submitting the intake paperwork to the time the fiscal agent has passed an ordinance through its public process consummating the LEDA deal. Only expenses paid after the passing of the LEDA ordinance are eligible for reimbursement through the LEDA.
NM Collateral Assistance Program 2.0 (CAP 2.0)
Intended for businesses interested in taking out a traditional loan. No money exchanges hands in this program. If you are pursuing a traditional loan through a financial institution, NMEDD can support efforts by securing/collateralizing 50% of the principal of your loan. NMEDD has many banks participating in this program. If your financial institution is not one of these, contact your NMEDD Regional Representative for assistance.
Outdoor Equity Fund & Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant
These two programs fund outdoor youth experiences and outdoor infrastructure across New Mexico. Learn more about these two grants and see the grant guides on our website. Only nonprofits and other public entities are eligible to apply, though we encourage private businesses to partner on applications to grow outdoor access.
Tax Credits
- Consumables Gross Receipts Tax Deduction for Manufacturers
- High Wage Jobs Tax Credit
- Investment Tax Credit for Manufacturers
- Research and Development Tax Credit
Events
Adventure Pitch Fest
Adventure Pitch Fest is the NM Outdoor Recreation Division’s annual celebration of New Mexico’s outdoor recreation industry featuring a showcase of dozens of outdoor businesses and organizations from across the state and a fast-paced pitch battle where finalists compete head-to-head for $15,000 in cash prizes. This high-energy event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. The event is hosted in partnership with ActivateNM.
NM-based for-profit businesses of all sizes that serve the outdoor recreation industry are invited to apply for the pitch battle. Finalists will be selected prior to the event and receive complimentary coaching to prepare for the competition. All NM-based outdoor businesses and organizations are invited to apply for a showcase space. Visit the website for applications, tickets, and info.
Outdoor Economics Conference
The New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference was created by the nonprofit Outdoor New Mexico to support outdoor economic development opportunities and efforts connected to protected lands. Hundreds of industry leaders convene to share and further develop strategies and projects to advance the outdoor recreation economy. Outdoor New Mexico is the conference organizer and ORD has participated in the past by hosting an outdoor recreation pitch event in partnership with ActivateNM. The pitch event is no longer part of the conference and is now a standalone event called Adventure Pitch Fest.
The New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference takes place each fall, rotating locations throughout the state. The schedule includes evening receptions, outdoor leader and business panel discussions, outdoor adventures with local outfitters, networking, and an outdoor expo. Visit their website for tickets and applications.
Ski Lift Pitch
Entrepreneurs and investors alike are all too familiar with a typical elevator pitch. New Mexico is known more for its elevations than its elevators. Ski Lift Pitch brings New Mexico’s best startups and world-class VC funds together for a special event. And no, there are no elevators involved. Not the usual kind, anyway. Ski Lift Pitch welcomes pre-seed and seed-stage startups headquartered in or growing in New Mexico to apply. Accepted companies are grouped with like companies, then pitch to three or four judges in succession while riding the lift at Taos. Winners from each group from the first round then pitch to finalist judges on stage to determine the $10,000 prize.
