Activate New Mexico

Transforming Startups in New Mexico

Investor Deck Creation Workshop with Decko

ABQid and Decko are partnering up to help companies put together the best investor pitch decks possible. We’ve seen a lot of good companies falter in fundraising not because of a bad pitch, but because of a bad pitch deck. We’re here to help.

Deck creation crash course: 5 do’s and 5 dont’s of your investor deck

Thursday, September 24 from 10:30am to Noon (mountain time)

In this 90 minute session we’ll cover the do’s and dont’s we’ve seen first hand after 100+ pitches observed.

RSVP HERE

About Workshop Speakers

Robert Harary

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertharary/

Rob is currently the only Investment Associate at Evolution VC Partners, working closely with 90+ portfolio companies across every stage to support their growth through strategic introductions, analysis, and preparation for future rounds of financing. He is also responsible for deal sourcing and analysis. Rob is a co-founder and Partner at Decko where he works with startups to build badass pitch decks for fundraising sales and more.

Ben Marans

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmarans/

Ben is a previous founder and a current angel investor. He is also a SaaS sales expert, with a track record of growing revenue for seed – public companies. Currently, he runs a pitch deck design agency called DECKO which helps startups build their fundraising and sales assets.

Series A Fundraising with YACapital

The Santa Fe Business Incubator, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and ActivateNM will be hosting a virtual talk by Peter Formanek, CEO of Young America Capital, on Series A venture fundraising.   Peter has 30+ years of experience advising fund managers, family offices, and companies. He has been involved in over 300 transactions over the course of his career and is also involved in the private equity field providing deal origination, fundraising, operations, and COO/CFO level expertise and guidance.   This virtual talk is targeted towards entrepreneurs who are considering an equity capital raise in the future and it will cover sources of capital, the fundraising timeline, choosing the best partners, the capital raise process, and the investing environment during the COVID crisis.

Please RSVP to ActivateNM Mentor Greg Crowell at greg@yacapital.com to receive a calendar invite.

Schedule

September 1, 2020
12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Sales Readiness Workshop with Virtanza

Our educational partner Virtanza, a leader in training sales professionals, will be co-hosting an informational session with ActivateNM on September 2nd to help small business owners and young professionals about how becoming a Sales Professional can impact small and medium sized business.

Schedule

September 2, 2020
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

11:00 am – Introductions, Why Train in Sales?

11:10 am – Overview of adult-learner-centered sales training and upcoming CNM Ingenuity Course

11:30 – Live training with companies on the call. Instructor-led sample session.

12:00 – Student Testimonials, Q&A

12:30 – END

RSVP for this interactive sales training session

About Virtanza

Virtanza trains sales teams online through partner schools and employers. Our ACE-accredited experiential program, taught by Certified, MBA Instructors, is designed to train professionals to meet the demands of a Global, digital economy. The curriculum features in-depth study of sales technology, sales enablement software, needs assessment and negotiations, CRM, prospecting and outreach, and more in-demand skills. The course culminates in a digital badge for a graduate’s use. The Professional Sales Ready Course is debuting at CNM Ingenuity this Fall.

About ActivateNM

Activate New Mexico (ActivateNM), Powered by CNM Ingenuity helps tech founders build valuable businesses that are going to disrupt a particular market through big visions and innovative, transformative ideas. We love New Mexico, and we believe entrepreneur-led economic development creates opportunities that lead to prosperity. We are committed to nurturing New Mexico’s entrepreneurial community and thus, promoting prosperity in our state.

Like to learn more about the sales training with Virtanza?

Sign up for our info session on September 8th to learn more about the program and how to get it funded for you and/or your staff.

NM Startup Networking September 2020

Virtual Networking provided by Remo.co conference platform

September #StartupRetool Networking by ActivateNM

HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR DATA (and still be ethical)

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Time: 10:30 – Noon

RSVP and Setup your Profile for Networking

In this session, we will hear from a few New Mexican startups that all use data to make products and services for their clients. If you are interested in how to use data to make money for your business, we are going to talk about a variety of ways these businesses do it. We will also hear from resources providers on how they can help entrepreneurs and small businesses in New Mexico. Then, we will break out into virtual networking tables where you can connect with other business owners and share opportunities to collaborate to grow your business.

Highlighted New Mexican Startups

RS21

RS21 – A data science and visualization company doing good with data

We help organizations identify and understand the data they need to develop effective solutions. We collaborate with clients to build interactive tools that drive meaningful action. Our platforms are intuitive, insightful, inspiring, and intellectually honest.

Versatile MED Analytics

Versatile Med Analytics – Data analytics and working with medical data

Versatile MED is bringing data-driven solutions to healthcare. We bring Analytics as a Service to Healthcare Organizations in need of management-level Analytic support. We serve as consulting Reporting & Analytic resources and on-call Data SMEs.

TARTLE

TARTLE – Data Brokering and data ownership

TARTLE provides you with the best access to source data and value for your digital identity.

Highlighted Resource Partner

Young Professionals of Albuquerque (YPA) is a community that offers professional development, social, and civic engagement opportunities to help empower Albuquerque’s future leaders.

Upcoming Events

October 15, 2020 – HOW TO DO PAID ADS (and not waste money)

November 19, 2020 – HOW TO SELL MY SMALL BUSINESS (or get acquired)

Be sure to check out our events calendar for upcoming business training and networking events.

About this Networking Series

The World Has Changed, Time to Retool Your Business

During this period of adjustment to working remotely, ActivateNM powered by CNM Ingenuity is hosting a #StartupRetool series for small businesses and startups in New Mexico to digitize their businesses.

In this series, highlighted local entrepreneurs and resource providers will share strategies and platforms to retool small businesses. If you are a small business or startup, this is a networking event that will help you learn how to grow and engage with customers online.

These networking sessions happen virtually on the 3rd Thursday of every month. To see the next session and RSVP, please see below or visit our events calendar.

Event Format

  • 45 mins – Chat with highlighted entrepreneurs, startup founders, and small business resource providers in New Mexico
  • 45 mins – Virtual Networking with Remo.co

Any questions or interested in collaborating on an event, please contact us.

Startup Retool Networking August

The World Has Changed, Time to Retool Your Business

During this period of adjustment to working remotely, ActivateNM powered by CNM Ingenuity is hosting a Startup Retool series for small businesses and startups in New Mexico to digitize their businesses.

In this series, local entrepreneurs and resource providers will share strategies and platforms to retool small businesses. If you are a small business or startup, this is a networking event that will help you learn how to grow and engage with customers online.

These networking sessions on the 3rd Thursday of every month online. See upcoming session and to RSVP, please see below or visit our events calendar.

FINDING A STARTUP CO-FOUNDER (and maintaining a good relationship)

Thursday, August 20, 2020 | 10:30 AM – Noon

In this session, we will hear from business owners Charles Ashley of Cultivating Coders and Mike Silva of Rudeboy Cookies on how they found their startup team and how they continue to grow their connections and collaborations. We will also hear from the African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce about resources for small businesses and startups. Then, we will break out into virtual networking tables where people can connect and share opportunities to collaborate on initiatives to grow our economy in New Mexico.

Schedule Format

  • First 45 mins – Chat with highlighted entrepreneurs, startup founders, and small business resource providers in New Mexico
  • Second 45 mins – Virtual Networking with Remo.co

Highlighted Startup Founders

CHARLES ASHLEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CULTIVATING CODERS

Charles Ashley III is President & Founder of Cultivating Coders, a New Mexico based company that provides technical training and curriculum in web and mobile application development to K-12 schools in tribal, rural and overlooked urban areas that lack resources in coding and computer science education. Prior to his current role, Charles was a Marketing & Strategy Consultant for several clients including Harmonix Technologies, VARA Wines, and DeVry University. He previously served as Film Liaison & Marketing Manager for Bernalillo County’s Economic Development Department in New Mexico and was Manager of Marketing for CNM’s STEMulus Center. Charles currently sits on the US Eagle Federal Credit Union Advisory Board, Learning Alliance, and has served on a variety of boards such as New Mexico AIDS Services, Albuquerque Youth Basketball League Board, Mayor Berry’s Albuquerque Deep Dive Council for Arts & Culture and Mayor Keller’s Education Transition Team. 

Mike Silva, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Rudeboy Cookies

Michael M. Silva, Jr. has 30 + years of hospitality & tourism industry
experience. Michael is skilled across several disciplines within the
industry, having worked in hotel sales, food & beverage operations,
destination sales, restaurant management, and not-for-profit
management. In 2007 Michael found his entrepreneurial drive and co-founded, ABQ Trolley Co., now a sub-company of the newly named parent
company, Albuquerque Tourism & Sightseeing Factory. AT&SF is the parent company of four companies. These companies are:

  • ABQ Trolley Co/The LUX
  • Albucreepy Downtown Ghost Walk
  • Duke City Pedaler
  • ABQ In Box

In 2014, Michael founded, Rude Boy Cookies. Rude Boy Cookies is
a sweet shop serving fresh baked cookies, ice cream and milk on tap.
Michael is a fiercely proud Burqueno, a frequent speaker across the
city on entrepreneurship and philanthropy and serves on many
boards, to include:

  • Executive board member/Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico
  • Board member/UNM Alumni Association/President-Elect
  • Board member/Small Business Regulatory Advisory Committee (Mayor appointment)
  • Foundation Board Member/ ACES TECH Charter School

In 2019, The 20th Annual New Mexico Ethics in Business Awards
named Michael the winner of the award for Individual Excellence in
Ethical Business Practice. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. In his free time, Michael enjoys Lobo basketball, playing music (saxophone and drums), and spending time
with friends and family. Michael has been married for 16 years, has
one daughter and a dog.

Recording of the session can be found here

Highlighted Resource Provider

The African American Chamber has a purpose to promote economic growth of black-owned businesses with a focus on education, advocacy, mentorship and networking.

Tables are set for virtual networking August 20, 2020 RSVP HERE

Upcoming Events

September 17, 2020 – HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR BUSINESS DATA (and be ethical too)

October 15, 2020 – HOW TO DO PAID ADS (and not waste money)

November 19, 2020 – HOW TO SELL MY SMALL BUSINESS (or get acquired)

Be sure to check out our events calendar for upcoming startup training and networking events.

Accepting Applications for Cohort 5

The fifth cohort of Activate New Mexico kicks off in September. Apply Now!

Activate New Mexico (ActivateNM), powered by CNM Ingenuity, is now accepting applications for the next cohort of our 10-week startup accelerator.  The accelerator includes an active mentor and investor network in New Mexico. We are looking for startup founders throughout the state to participate in our next virtual cohort to accelerate their early-stage startup ventures. Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by August 17, 2020.

This cohort will be conducted remotely, allowing business owners around the state of New Mexico to participate. Business leaders will go through 10 weeks of accelerated development with our growing network of mentors, investors, and pitch coaches (see the curriculum here). This program is a great fit for startup founders looking to be part of a larger community of startup development and investment in New Mexico.

Important Dates for Cohort #5

Dates: September 14, 2020 to November 20, 2020

Times: Wednesdays from 10 am to 3pm, Fridays 10 am to Noon

Applications due on August 17, 2020

Hear how ActivateNM Accelerator helped this startup founder

Fruitstand Technology from cohort #2

Apply Now

If you have reviewed the accelerator page and are ready to apply, tell us about your business by filling out our application form.

Not ready to apply yet? Come to mentor office hours on Fridays.

Connect with world-class mentors who want to help New Mexican entrepreneurs succeed. See our events calendar for upcoming mentor office hours.

2-Part Startup Sales Workshop with Engaged Prospect

CNM Ingenuity and Engaged Prospect are teaming up to bring New Mexican startups and small businesses a free two-part series about modern-day sales engagement. Innovative sales are crucial to economic recovery and getting your business back on track.

Session 1 – Getting Ready for Sales

Thu, July 30, 2020
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MDT

IMG credit: Business vector created by pch.vector – www.freepik.com

This session will cover:

  • How to choose the best sales model
  • Identifying the required technologies
  • Determining the best go-to-market strategy when you (the founder) are responsible for growing your company.

Watch the Recording (1.5 hours)

Session 2 – Scaling Sales

Thu, August 13, 2020
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MDT

IMG Credit: Business psd created by rawpixel.com – www.freepik.com

This session will cover:

  • How to add fuel to the fire
  • Identifying the next-level technologies
  • How to build a scalable and effective sales team

About Engaged Prospect:

Engaged Prospect has successfully built and managed over 55 sales departments for growth organizations looking to acquire new customers and increase revenue. And, we’ve coached hundreds of startup entrepreneurs and small business owners, teaching classes at many prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell, JumpStart, AlphaLab, Ascender, West Virginia Job Investment Trust, and Youngstown Business Incubator, among many others. Through sales outsourcing, embedded consulting, and sales training, Engaged Prospect is a leader in sales management, sales operations, and sales execution, all designed to help companies increase revenue and gain new customers.

About ActivateNM

Activate New Mexico (ActivateNM), Powered by CNM Ingenuity helps tech founders build valuable businesses that are going to disrupt a particular market through big visions and innovative, transformative ideas. We love New Mexico, and we believe entrepreneur-led economic development creates opportunities that lead to prosperity. We are committed to nurturing New Mexico’s entrepreneurial community and thus, promoting prosperity in our state.

Startup Retool Series in July

The World Has Changed, Time to Retool Your Business

During this period of adjustment to working remotely, ActivateNM powered by CNM Ingenuity is hosting a session Startup Retool series for small businesses, and startups in New Mexico.

In this series, we look at local resources and platforms that can help retool small businesses and identify ways businesses can grow and engage with their customers online.

See upcoming sessions and RSVP, please visit our events calendar.

Session 1: Ideation with InBizWorks and the CABQ

July 8, 2020

In our first Startup Retool session, we explored how the founder of InBizWorks from Taos, New Mexico has created a platform for small business centers and non-profit lenders to help their customers with business planning and early staged development. We are also joined by the City of Albuquerque Small Business Office Manager to talk about local resources for small businesses.

Watch the Recorded Video Session (Recorded 45 Minutes)

Session 2: Digital Exploration with AppCityLife and Comcast

July 15, 2020

In session two, we talk with the CEO of Albuquerque based company CityLife Lisa Abeyta about the importance of online engaged not just as your company but as a leader and the face of the organization. Also, joining is Erin Muffoletto, External Affairs Manager for Comcast New Mexico to talk about social media and resources that small businesses can leverage.

Watch the Recorded Video Session (Recorded 45 Minutes)

Session 3: Marketing in the Next Normal with John Bell and Job Training Albuquerque (JTA)

July 22, 2020

4 Lessons for Marketing in the Next Normal: COVID-19 and the economic fallout accelerates digital transformation for businesses of all sizes. Finding and serving customers is different. Marketers are learning how to shift their strategies and tactics while keeping closer track of the pulse of their customers and sales channels. John Bell, VP of Digital Marketing at Travelers Insurance, shares lessons learned for startups and small businesses from more than 25 years of digital marketing, including the most recent crisis. We also have local entrepreneur resource provider Job Training Albuquerque (JTA) talking about funds available for small businesses to receive technical training.

Watch the Recorded Video Session (Recorded 45 Minutes)

Session 4: Startup Storytelling + Networking with ABQ and Santa Fe Resources

July 29, 2020

Storytelling is a powerful tool to help transfer knowledge and connect communities. How can entrepreneurs and small business owners tell stories through modern digital platforms? What value does storytelling have for a startup company? In this session, we heard from a panel of founders and entrepreneur resource providers in New Mexico.

Panel Organizations:

Watch the Recorded Video Session (Recorded 55 Minutes)

If you are interested in learning more about the next ActivateNM cohort of Startup founders, please visit our Accelerator program page.

Join us for Activate New Mexico’s Cohort 4 Demo Day!

The ActivateNM team is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 4th accelerator cohort. From healthcare solutions to better betting through data science, this group of founders is now at the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. Join us on June 26, 2020 to celebrate and showcase their accomplishments. RSVP below:

Click Here to RSVP

Fulfilling its mission of pushing New Mexico forward as a leader in tech and business, ActivateNM chose five companies from around the state: two from Albuquerque, two from Taos, and one from Rio Rancho to join this cohort. The online-only format included three days of programming: meetings with mentors, the technical residents, and experts in a variety of fields, all committed to the success of New Mexico businesses. Additionally, the founders used the Lean Startup Methodologies, resources such as podcasts, and consistent pitch practice to shape and finetune their idea, business model, and branding.

Meet the startups that have successfully completed the accelerator program:

In Biz Works Logo

InBizWorks

inBizWorks is the online incubator that brings together community, modern business tools, and decades of small business experience for solopreneurs and accelerator programs alike.

Founder, Marko Schmitt

Visit Site
DROMO Logo

DROMO

The mobile tool for home healthcare workers that reduces compliance penalties, manages schedule changes, and maps routes to each appointment.

Founder, Ken Gustafson

Visit Site
ProPortal Logo

ProPortal

ProPortal is the web solution for law firms to leverage the power of ProLaw, helping lawyers and clients save time and effort.

Founder, Brian Stinar

Visit Site
Rerouted Logo

Rerouted

The online destination to buy, sell and donate used outdoor gear while supporting local wilderness access and education non-profits.

Founder, Chap Grubb

Visit Site
Monkey Brain Sports Logo

Monkey Brain Sports

Sports betting analysis powered by data science, with a dash of healthy internet debate for flavor.

Founder, Usaama Alnaji

Visit Site

Congratulations to our newest cohort! We look forward to your successes, and to the next group of founders; cohort 5 starts in September. If you are interested in joining the next cohort learn more at on our accelerator program page.

CNM Ingenuity Helps Local Startups Find Creative Solutions to COVID-19 Problems

Originally posted on CNM.edu
https://www.cnm.edu/news/cnm-ingenuity-helps-local-startups-find-creative-solutions-to-covid-19-problems

ActivateNM runs a cohort meeting online.

Startups are designed to problem solve, and Ingenuity is giving them the resources they need

The history of the word “entrepreneur” dates back all the way to the 1700s and one of the earliest definitions talks about a willingness “to assume the risk and to deal with uncertainty.” Never has that been more true than the present moment.

In a time when COVID-19 is rewriting all the rules, especially those surrounding businesses, entrepreneurs are finding smart ways to keep the economy going and people employed. Many of those entrepreneurs run local New Mexico startups and CNM Ingenuity is doing everything it can to support them.

“Entrepreneurs were born for this moment,” says T.J. Cook, the Executive Director of ABQid, an entrepreneurial support organization that’s part of Ingenuity. “They’re ready to find solutions to the complex problems now facing us and we want to do everything we can to help them.”

Most immediately, Ingenuity is now running a virtual learning series for startups and entrepreneurs through ActivateNM, an Ingenuity startup accelerator. So far they’ve held seminars on everything from crisis funding to product management, or the process of building and shipping software to customers. 

Next up on May 1 is a session with Dale Dekker, an active angel investor and the principal at Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, an architecture, interior design, planning, engineering, and landscape architecture firm. In that session, Dekker will address the opportunities created by COVID-19 and help startups brainstorm how they can embrace the opportunity to provide solutions. 

Concurrently, ActivateNM is also running its accelerator and finding ways to re-tool its approach in order to help the newest cohort better serve clients online. Businesses in that cohort include COHGIN Telehealth Solutions, which is creating a telemedicine platform for obstetrics, Rerouted Co-Op, which has a site that makes it easy for people to buy, sell and donate used outdoor gear, and Dromo, an app for home health resource management and compliance. 

“The businesses in this cohort are primed to operate in the current environment and we’re excited to see what they do,” says Dan Heron, the Senior Program Manager with ActivateNM. 

Finally, ABQid has also compiled several online resources for local startups. One is an evolving list of financing options for startups, and another details New Mexico startups that are offering COVID-19 resources. Additionally, ABQid sent around a comprehensive guide that startups can use to address everything from cash management (how do they stay afloat in the current environment), to communication (how do they communicate internally with employees and externally with customers). 

“We need entrepreneurs more than ever, and we believe many new startups can rise up in New Mexico with solutions for these unprecedented times,” T.J. says.

In an effort to take all reasonable precautions regarding COVID-19, we are following the CNM response, which can be found at: cnm.edu/covid-19. For those who partner directly with CNMI and have questions not answered by CNM, please see the CNMI Resource Page. Both can be found here. CNMI Resource Page.
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