The purpose of the Rural Pathway Program is to support the development and implementation of tourism projects throughout New Mexico.
The program is composed of two parts: a Tourism Incubator and a Grant.
Tourism Incubator
The Tourism Incubator was created to provide technical assistance to tourism projects in the developmental stage. The NMTD team provides a series of workshops to guide the project’s Steering Committee (made up of 5-7 project stakeholders) in developing the project and preparing it for funding and implementation.
Grant
The Grant provides up to $50,000 in 1:1 matching funds (applicant matches up to $50,000, NMTD matches up to $50,000, for a total of $100,000 funded) to already-developed tourism projects which are ready to implement.
Applicants self-select into the Incubator or the Grant, depending on the stage of the proposed project.
Note: In order to be eligible for the grant, projects must be ready for implementation.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include governmental entities, Tribal entities, and nonprofits within New Mexico. Private applicants are generally not eligible unless proof of the project’s public benefit is demonstrated, and the applicant partners with a public or nonprofit fiscal agent.
What Types of Projects are Considered?
Project types may vary (see the program guidelines document in the Resources section for detailed examples), but must be tourism-related, have a public benefit, and contribute to tourism development in the area impacted.
Please note that alternative avenues of support are more appropriate for tourism events (Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability Program) and tourism-related infrastructure (Tourism Infrastructure Capital Outlay).
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH PART OF THE PROGRAM, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW
