UNM Anderson School Wins Stage One of U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition

UNM Anderson School of Management faculty member Robert DelCampo and partner John Chavez from New Mexico Startup Factory recently won Stage One of the prestigious U.S. Small Business Administration's 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund competition.

The SBA Fund competition is a community-focused initiative that fosters entrepreneurial spirit, supported by experts in the field. It promotes the success of small businesses by creating strategic partnerships to launch, grow and scale STEM-based entrepreneur ventures. It celebrates organizations that provide equitable access to entrepreneurial opportunities for small businesses.

DelCampo and Chavez submitted a video and presentation as their application titled "Fueling Inclusive Innovation: A Roadmap for Diverse Participation in New Mexico's Emerging National and Economic Security Ecosystem."

"We’re excited and honored to win the SBA Growth Accelerator competition. Working with our friends at the New Mexico Startup Factory gives us the unique opportunity to accelerate the state's national security entrepreneurial ecosystem," said DelCampo.

The team won $50,000 in prize money and moved to Stage Two to compete for additional prize money. DelCampo and Chavez will compete for an additional $50,000 to $150,000 cash prize.

Learn more about how Anderson is fueling New Mexico’s entrepreneurial initiatives.