Nine pitch creative products, services to accelerator
Startups vie for cash prizes while diving deep into business basics
The latest cohort of nine companies in the Creative Startups business accelerator pitched their products and services to a packed crowd at Las Puertas warehouse Downtown on Wednesday night.
The companies, including three from New Mexico and the rest from other states, came together for a five-day “deep dive” in Albuquerque this week that culminates today in closed-door pitches to investors. Three cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 will be awarded to the top-rated presenters.
Wednesday’s event was a “coming out” opportunity for the startups to interact with the local community through two-minute stage pitches, trade booths to show their wares and lots of networking.
“It’s a chance to showcase their products and ideas and engage with the Albuquerque community,” said Creative Startups program manager Julia Youngs.
It’s the fourth cohort since the accelerator began in 2014. All are building businesses that offer creative products and services, including artistic apparel, online marketing platforms for artists, new apps to rapidly fact-check news or improve travel experiences, and unique educational technology programs.
The accelerator helps existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in creative fields learn new ways to build their enterprises. Participants said the accelerator has propelled them forward with coaching, mentoring and technical assistance.
“It really expanded our vision,” said Viviette Hunt, co-founder of Albuquerque-based art Attendant, an online platform to provide a marketplace for original artists, and for art collectors and sellers, to show, sell and store their work.
Jamie Rushad Gros, co-founder of Calindo Creative in Albuquerque, said the accelerator offered a crash course in business fundamentals for his company, which offers online marketing and services for artists.
Emma Jones said the program reinforced her confidence to push forward with All Chola, an Albuquerque business she created with partner Michelle Sena to sell creatively decorated apparel and personal accessories that aim to build pride in Chicano culture and self-expression.
“It was especially empowering for a young Chicana from New Mexico like me diving into entrepreneurship for the first time,” Jones said.