Arrowhead Center: ‘Our mission is economic opportunity’

Here is what New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center Director and CEO Kathy Hansen told the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) during its Dec. 6 Business in the New Mexico Borderplex Forum at Hotel Encanto:

“The mission of NMSU’s Arrowhead Center is to create economic opportunity through innovation and entrepreneurship. Arrowhead serves all of New Mexico and the Borderplex region, reaching urban and rural residents from kindergarten through adulthood. Its programming emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with several programs designed to assist racial/ethnic minorities and other underserved audiences.

“Arrowhead has flexible curricula and delivery methods, including in-person, virtual and hybrid options, to enhance accessibility to resources such as its vast network of advisors and subject matter experts.

Arrowhead programs focus on: community-based entrepreneurship and small business assistance; technology commercialization, industry cluster innovation ecosystem development (e.g., agriculture and clean energy), student entrepreneurship, and startup capital investment.

“During Fiscal Year 2022, Arrowhead conducted 13 business accelerators; assisted 1,587 business ventures; and served 72 NM communities.

“Several years ago, Arrowhead created the Arrowhead Innovation Fund, an early-stage seed capital fund for New Mexico businesses. Managed by Dr. Beto Pallares, it was rated the most active VC (venture capital) fund in New Mexico in 2021. In addition, Audaz Capital is being launched as an independent venture capital fund, targeting seed and Series A rounds for companies that enhance social mobility in the southwest.”

Visit https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/ and www.mveda.com.