Tourism Innovators Cohort
A Taos Destination Stewardship Network Pilot Initiative
In partnership with UNM Taos HIVE
About
The Tourism Innovators Cohort is a pilot initiative of the Taos Destination Stewardship Network (DSN), developed in collaboration with UNM Taos HIVE and a cross sector Action Team. This pilot program aims to support Taos County businesses, organizations, and cultural leaders who are developing tourism products and experiences that:
Celebrate culture
Protect land and water
Benefit local communities
Welcome visitors in meaningful ways
This pilot year of the cohort emphasizes innovators throughout Taos County. Participants selected for the cohort will receive seed funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, storytelling support, and facilitated peer-learning dinners.
Why it Matters
The Taos Destination Stewardship Plan highlighted the communities desire to amplify reciprocal connections between visitors and locals that have positive benefits on our economic, environmental and social landscape.
The Taos Destination Stewardship effort calls for tourism that:
• Supports inclusive economic development
• Strengthens cultural integrity in tourism products
• Protects land, water, and natural resources
• Improves the lives of local people
This cohort prioritizes innovators whose projects generate sustainable revenue, integrate stewardship values, and expand opportunities for groups historically excluded from the tourism economy - including Hispanic, Latino, and Indigenous communities.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Tourism Innovators Cohort was created to:
• Fuel inclusive, place-based economic growth
• Support innovators serving both locals and visitors
• Increase the visibility of community-driven tourism products
• Pilot a new model of business support in Taos County
• Grow awareness of the Taos Destination Stewardship Network efforts
• Learn what is needed to scale future entrepreneur-support programs in the Enchanted Circle
What Participants Receive
1. Seed Funding
Tiered micro-grants aligned with project maturity (emerging, growing, collaborative).
2. Capacity Building
• Business Plan support with SBDC and HIVE
• One-on-one needs navigation meeting
• 10 hours of paid specialist support (up to $45/hr)
3. Peer Cohort Experience
• Monthly dinner gatherings
• Guided conversations with guest hosts
• Collaboration, reflection, and shared learning
4. Outreach & Visibility
• Media features through Taos MainStreet
• DSN storytelling and promotion
• June community presentation
Funding Model
Total funding available: $50,000
Up to 10 cohort participants
Tier 1: Emerging & Concept Stage Typical award: $5,000–$7,500
For early-stage ideas, pre-revenue projects, and innovators testing new concepts.
Tier 2: Growing & Established Stage Typical award: $6,000–$10,000
For operating projects expanding offerings, improving sustainability, or strengthening cultural/authentic experiences.
Tier 3: Collaborative / Multi-Partner Projects • Typical award: $5,000–$10,000
For established projects partnering with new entities to co-create or pilot innovative joint offerings.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications opens
December 4th, 2025
Step 1: HIGHLY ENCOURAGED Workshop with Zoom option. Please RSVP above!
A highly encouraged interactive workshop will be offered to all interested applicants. Workshop attendance will be favored in application evaluation
Introduce applicants to the fund and application process
Familiarize organizers with Destination Stewardship values and principles
Share quick tips, tricks, and tools for hosting successful events in Taos
Provide a platform for experienced event organizers to share lessons learned
Step 2: Full Application
Opens December 4th, 2025
Submit through the online application portal
Applications reviewed by an independent committee using a scoring matrix
Awards announced End of 2025
Funds distributed in January 2026
POST-EVENT REPORTING
Recipients will be required to submit a short report including:
Attendance data (estimates and visitor origins if possible)
A summary of how funds were used
Photos, stories, or other materials that capture the event’s impact
WHY IT MATTERS
The Cultural Events Fund and workshop will strengthen Taos’s cultural landscape by supporting organizers at every stage of event planning, ensuring cultural integrity through stewardship values, expanding access for community members and visitors, and building capacity for sustainable, meaningful cultural events.
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information or to apply, contact our Executive Director, Charles Whitson:
Email: director@taosmainstreet.com