Mayor’s Prize

mayor’s prize for entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship in New Mexico goes back centuries, and entrepreneurial activity is among the best barometers to measure the health of a city’s economy. With successful entrepreneurs, we see more jobs, economic security and increased economic mobility. Together we are growing possibilities right here at home.

The Mayor’s Prize for Entrepreneurship is a new partnership between the Foundation, the City of Albuquerque and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The prize, which amounted to $200,000 in 2015, seeks to support bold ideas that create and grow new companies in Albuquerque, but through the lens of mission-driven nonprofits.

From 27 applicants, three winners were selected to share the prize. The following three organizations were announced as the 2015 inaugural winners of the Mayor’s Prize for Entrepreneurship:

Global Ties ABQ – Global Ties ABQ, previously known as the Albuquerque Council for International Visitors, is dedicated to building bridges between New Mexicans and emerging leaders from around the world. With the help of the Mayor’s Prize for Entrepreneurship, Global Ties ABQ is implementing a new pilot program—called the Global Innovator Program—focused not on receiving visitors from abroad, but rather on preparing Albuquerque’s own to break through and succeed in the international marketplace. Technology Ventures Corporation (TVC) – While TVC’s usual focus is startups, the program that was awarded the Mayor’s Prize for Entrepreneurship is all about supporting second stage companies as they grow into new markets and create jobs here at home. TVC is providing participating companies with critical raw resources—like access to behind-the-fence technology from the laboratories and second stage capital—while also engaging in guided practice and high levels of support as businesses confront new challenges like preparing for acquisition or confronting new HR needs.

WESST – Creative PIE, the program that landed WESST the Mayor’s Prize for Entrepreneurship, provides creative entrepreneurs with the wrap around support and tools they need to build sustainable, growthready businesses. Creative PIE will provide low-cost workshops and training to plug creatives into an ecosystem of support that includes financial literacy and business development training as well as marketing support and access to a comprehensive resource network.

The Mayor’s Prize brings a venture philanthropy approach to growing a community of successful entrepreneurs in Albuquerque. Together we are improving the conditions in Albuquerque to start and grow companies that can support our home.

MAYOR’S PRIZE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The following donors have contributed to the MAYOR’S PRIZE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Albuquerque Community

Foundation Linda & Carl Alongi Anonymous Becket Family Foundation Beverly & Perry E.

Bendicksen III Pamela & Victor Chavez Aleli & Brian Colón Kelli & Kevin Cooper Mr. Glenn Fellows & Ms.

Patricia Hancock Arthur & Sonja

Gardenswartz Kauffman Foundation Maestas Development

Group Peacock Myers, PC Kathleen & Will Raskob Nancy & Jerry J. Roehl Sound & Signal Systems of New Mexico Mimi & Walter Stern Jennifer & David Thomas Yearout Companies

WESST - Creative entrepreneurs learn to photograph their products for online Etsy sales.