The 2025 Questa Business Bridge Pitch Contest is now open!
Are you a Questa business owner in need of new equipment or technology? Or an aspiring entrepreneur launching a new venture in the Questa area? The Questa Economic Development Fund (QEDF) is excited to announce the 2025 Questa Business Bridge (QBB) Pitch Contest is now accepting applications for a chance to win your share of $20,000 in grant funding.
This first-time contest aims to support Questa area for-profit businesses that are either looking to expand with new products or equipment, or to help aspiring local entrepreneurs get off the ground with critical seed money.
After completing the application—which is due by end of day Monday, July 21—and qualifying to participate, the event will culminate in a live pitch competition on August 14 at the Questa Public Library.
The pitch contest itself will be closed to the public, with only judges and competitors’ guests invited to attend. Each participant will have five minutes to present their business idea, followed by a five-minute Q&A with the judges. Up to three team members may participate in the presentation.
Applicants should be ready to provide a description of their business idea, the need it addresses, how the funding will be used, and what makes their product or service stand out. They should also be able to answer questions about their financial plans, marketing strategy, and the potential for job creation or community impact.
QEDF has allocated $20,000 in grant funds for the 2025 Pitch Contest. The first-place winner may receive up to $5,000, however, award amounts will vary based on the number of applicants, the merit of the projects, the overall quality of the applications and pitch presentations, and the judges’ evaluations. Winners will be announced immediately following the pitch presentations.
“This contest is not just about winning money—it’s about building stronger businesses and a more resilient local economy,” said Lynn Skall, Director of QEDF. “We’re looking for entrepreneurs and local businesses who are ready to grow, innovate, and contribute to the Questa community.”
Malaquias Rael, QEDF board chair, notes that, “greater consideration will be given to proposals that emphasize long-term growth rather than one-time expenses… an equipment purchase that increases production or creates jobs is likely to rank higher than a short-term marketing campaign.”
To qualify, applicants must operate a for-profit business physically located within Questa or the surrounding local communities, hold a valid business license with the Village of Questa or Taos County, and have attended at least one Business Bridge or HIVE Workshop prior to the competition.
All awards are grants, which do not have to be repaid. Funding will be distributed in full following the contest, once award contracts are finalized. Recipients must use the funds by December 15, 2025, and provide proof of spending to QEDF by December 31, 2025.
To assist with preparation, the QBB is offering free workshops to assist with application submission, business plan writing, budget development, and pitch preparation and coaching.
“This is more than a funding opportunity—it’s a learning opportunity,” said QBB coordinator Monica McClelland.
Scan the QR Code below for contest rules, eligibility criteria, and to submit an application. For more information about the contest, application, and related workshops contact: QEDF Director Lynn Skall, at lynn@QuestaEDF.com, or (575) 586-2149; or QBB Coordinator Monica McClelland, at QBB-Coordinator@QuestaEDF.com.
CLICK HERE for online application.
