Helping Small Outdoor Businesses Grow in New Mexico
# 🏔️ New Mexico’s Outdoor Economy Gets a Lifeline: NMORBA Rises Again
## A Fresh Start for Small Businesses
New Mexico’s outdoor recreation sector—worth a staggering **$3.6 billion** to the state’s economy—is getting a second wind. After years of struggles, the **New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance (NMORBA)** is back with a bold rebrand, a new leader, and a renewed mission to support the small businesses that power the industry.
Once a powerhouse with **over 100 members**, NMORBA lost momentum due to funding challenges and unclear direction. Today, with **just 25 members**, the alliance is rebuilding with fresh energy and a clear goal: **real support, not empty promises**.
### Meet the New Face of the Movement: Tavis Malcolm
Enter **Tavis Malcolm**, NMORBA’s new executive director—a man who knows the industry inside and out. With experience running his own outdoor gear company and a stint on a popular TV show, Malcolm understands the brutal realities of small business ownership in this space.
> *"These businesses aren’t just livelihoods—they’re the backbone of New Mexico’s outdoor economy. We’re here to fight for them."*
### The Battle Against Rising Costs
Small outdoor recreation businesses in New Mexico are drowning in rising expenses:
- Tariffs driving up gear costs
- Skyrocketing insurance premiums forcing event cancellations
- Operational costs stifling growth
NMORBA isn’t standing idle. Malcolm is pushing for policy changes to ease the burden: ✅ Tax breaks for small outdoor businesses ✅ Liability protections to reduce legal risks ✅ Advocacy for affordable insurance options
Small Grants, Big Impact
NMORBA is already making waves with its Meta Marketing Microgrant program. Members receive $250 to boost their social media ads—not a fortune, but enough to give startups and struggling businesses a fighting chance.
"Every dollar counts," Malcolm says. "This is about leveling the playing field."
The Road Ahead: Can NMORBA Revive an Entire Industry?
With Malcolm’s leadership and a laser focus on member needs, NMORBA is positioning itself as the voice of New Mexico’s outdoor economy. By listening to businesses, pushing for policy changes, and offering tangible support, the alliance could be the catalyst that helps these companies not just survive—but thrive again.
The question isn’t whether New Mexico’s outdoor businesses deserve help—it’s whether NMORBA will be the group that delivers it.
