Jun. 17—The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division is teaming up with Central New Mexico Community College to create a free accelerator for outdoor recreation businesses.

Dubbed ActivatOR, the accelerator is tailored to established outdoor recreation businesses and startups either already located in or expanding to New Mexico.

“ActivatOR builds on growth incubators and accelerators we’ve done in the past, but what makes it particularly unique is established outdoor recreation businesses can apply as well,” AJ Jones, Outdoor Recreation Division deputy director, said Monday in a statement.

“Growth is equally as important for active businesses, and ActivatOR was created to help new and seasoned outdoor recreation entrepreneurs elevate their business,” Jones added.

The state partnered with CNM Ingenuity’s ActivateNM, described as a “multi-tiered program that provides guidance, events, and resources to founders and startups across New Mexico,” to offer the accelerator. CNM Ingenuity is an economic development arm of the college.

The first three weeks of the accelerator are “open sprints” where businesses and individuals can decide if ActivatOR is the right fit for them and learn about various topics, including growth mindset and customer discovery, a news release states.

“Over the course of the 14-week program, ActivatOR participants will attend a series of virtual workshops along with weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry experts that understand the challenges of the outdoor market,” the news release states. “Participants will also have networking and event opportunities. The networking component brings together like-minded founders, potential investors, and strategic partners who are all focused on outdoor recreation.”

Applications for ActivatOR are due June 27. Only 15 businesses or nonprofits will be accepted. To learn more or apply, go to activatenm.com/activator.

Follow Daniel J. Chacón on Twitter @danieljchacon.