NMSU to boost Grant companies with free accelerator program

NEW MEXICO – In partnership with mining company Freeport-McMoRan, New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Arrowhead Center will offer Silver City-area companies a free business accelerator program.

The university released that applications for the promotion are due March 1, while the program will run from March 9 to April 20 of this year.

“Since 2012, nearly US$4.6 million has been invested through the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation’s Community Investment Fund in Grant County. The funds have gone to programs and projects that build community resilience and capacity, such as the Arrowhead Silver City BizSprint,” said Sharon R. Grande, Freeport-McMoRan community development specialist.

The Freeport-McMoRan BizSprint is a six-week accelerator for 10 new or existing Grant County entrepreneurs, and will be the first time Arrowhead has brought its Sprint programming to that region.

“This program helps educate local businesses to adapt, pivot and grow in order to create and retain jobs and attract additional investment to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Grande said.

It was also noted that Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is a satellite site for Studio G, the Arrowhead Center’s business incubator for college students and recent alumni. As a partner in economic development initiatives, WNMU will support the accelerator by referring students and alumni who hope to grow their business in Grant County.

“The School of Business at WNMU wants to provide as many tools to entrepreneurs, students and small businesses as possible,” said Miguel Vicéns, associate dean of business at WNMU. “We are happy and willing to collaborate with NMSU’s Arrowhead Center to make available these programs that can make a difference for businesses in our communities.”

The Freeport-McMoRan BizSprint offers participants a live-in program-based experience with an emphasis on customer discovery, market insight and e-commerce. Programming will be delivered virtually, with weekly group and one-on-one sessions with each participant.

There will also be four weeks of follow-up support, including one-on-one assistance and access to Arrowhead’s resources and network of business advisors.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff