ABQid

ABQid is a New Mexico-based accelerator program that supports early-stage startups through mentorship, funding, and resources. Founded in 2014, it offers a 12-week intensive program designed to rapidly cultivate scalable, high-growth companies. The program emphasizes customer discovery and validation, aiming to graduate exceptional companies with validated business models, prepared to take on funding, led by entrepreneurs with a strong ethos of integrity, accountability, communication, and commitment to their purpose. The program is rooted in customer discovery and validation, with a curriculum that includes lean startup methodology, metrics focused on sales and finance, and leadership and personal development. The objective is to fundamentally change the Albuquerque economy and nurture the vibrant entrepreneurial startup ecosystem in the community. In 2019, ABQid merged into CNM Ingenuity, the 501(c)3 enterprise arm of Central New Mexico Community College, to increase its impact on business creation and economic development in New Mexico. This merger allowed ABQid to leverage CNM Ingenuity's resources and infrastructure to support local entrepreneurs and startups more effectively. The program has trained over 2,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and provided capital to 31 New Mexico startups, contributing significantly to the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The merger with CNM Ingenuity has enabled ABQid to expand its reach and resources, further supporting the growth and success of startups in New Mexico. The program continues to offer a rigorous curriculum and mentorship to early-stage companies, focusing on customer discovery, lean startup methodology, and leadership development. By providing these resources, ABQid aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Albuquerque and the broader New Mexico area, contributing to the state's economic development and diversification. The program's success is evident in the number of startups it has supported and the positive impact it has had on the local economy, demonstrating the effectiveness of its approach to nurturing high-growth companies. The merger with CNM Ingenuity has further strengthened ABQid's ability to support entrepreneurs, offering them access to a broader network of resources, expertise, and opportunities to scale their businesses successfully. This collaboration underscores the commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Mexico, ensuring that startups have the support they need to succeed and contribute to the state's economic growth and diversification.