A Taos Destination Stewardship Pilot Initiative
Programming powered by UNM Taos HIVE, the SBDC and Taos County Economic Development
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, and learn what is needed to scale future entrepreneur-support programs in the Enchanted Circle.
Tier 2
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.
Cohort Timeline (Pilot Year)
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• Program announced: Mid-December 2025
• Nominations open: Mid-December 2025
• Nominations close: January 11, 2026 -
• Evaluation committee reviews nominations: January 12th-January 20th
• Long-form applications sent to top nominees: January 20, 2026
• Long-form applications due: February 1, 2026
• Evaluation committee meeting: February 1-11 -
• Kickoff dinner + orientation: Week of February 25, 2026
• Monthly dinners and support sessions: March, April, May 2026
• Specialist meetings and business-plan development: March–May 2026 -
• Innovators share outcomes with the community: June 2026
Evaluation Process
A separate evaluation committee will review nominations and long-form applications. This committee will include representatives from across Taos County with diversity in:
• Geography
• Sector
• Cultural background
• Lived experience
Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Community relevance and benefit
• Alignment with Destination Stewardship values
• Potential to attract respectful visitor engagement
• Project readiness and feasibility
• Financial sustainability potential
• Accessibility and clarity of responses
The committee will allocate at least 10 days for review.
Specialized Support Menu
Participants will be able to choose from a menu of specialist and mentorship offerings, including:
• Business plan development
• Marketing and promotion
• Branding and storytelling
• Financial management and budgeting
• Impact measurement
• Visitor engagement strategy
• Partnership development
• Product refinement and operations
Specialists may include HIVE mentors, SBDC advisors, subject-matter experts, and local entrepreneurs. Participants may request specific individuals or be matched based on needs.
Peer Cohort Dinner Series
The monthly dinner series is designed to foster connection, deepen understanding of Destination Stewardship, explore challenges and opportunities of Tourism in Taos, support idea-sharing and collaboration, and provide space for reflection and celebration.
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Nomination Form
Questions?
Questions?
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
Jessie Hook, Taos Destination Stewardship Network Manager