Local business owners in Questa received a major boost on Thursday, August 14, at the first-ever Questa Business Bridge (QBB) Pitch Contest. The event, created by the Questa Economic Development Fund (QEDF), was designed to support the local economy by providing capital for new ventures and existing businesses. Originally, the QEDF had allocated $20,000 in grant funding, but in a last-minute show of support for local entrepreneurs, the Questa Credit Union added an additional $2,500, bringing the total prize pool to $22,500.
Held at the Questa Public Library, the contest was reminiscent of the popular show “Shark Tank” where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, or “sharks,” who then decide whether to invest their own money in the companies. In this case the entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to a panel of four local judges, Malaquias Rael and Louis Herrera of the QEDF Board of Directors, Maria Gonzalez Questa Community Office for the LOR Foundation, and Rose Reza Director of UNM HIVE.
Fourteen entrepreneurs competed in the local event, pitching their business ideas and expansion plans to the panel of judges. Each participant had five minutes to present their case, followed by a five-minute Q&A session.
QEDF Director Lynn Skall emphasized that the contest was about more than just money. “This contest was more than just a pitch event — it was a celebration of local talent, innovation, and of the entrepreneurs that live right here and contribute to the economic development of our community every day,” Skall said.
Taking home the top prize of $5,000 was Monique Parker of MS Parker LLC. She impressed the judges with her plan to invest in a new Macintosh operating system to support her business consulting services for small businesses in Questa and beyond. “Winning this competition is an incredible honor, and it means I can immediately start making a bigger impact,” Parker said. “I’ve seen firsthand how many local businesses and entrepreneurs struggle with marketing because they just don’t have the bandwidth or expertise. This funding from the QEDF allows me to provide the support they need to succeed. My first contract is with the Red River Chamber for Oktoberfest, and by hiring other local creative professionals, I’m making sure our success helps uplift the entire community.” Parker’s win will allow her to expand her business consulting services, helping other entrepreneurs in Questa and the surrounding communities with marketing, social media, and branding.
The awards were distributed as grants, meaning the funds do not need to be repaid. The proposals were judged on their potential for long-term growth and their contribution to the local economy. QBB coordinator Monica McClelland noted that the initiative was also a learning opportunity, with free workshops provided to help applicants with business plans, budgeting, and pitch preparation.
Other grant recipients included:
• Lauren Trujillo, J&L Powersports ($4,000)
• Keaton Karvas and Menachem M., QuestAdobe ($3,000)
• John and Kristy Foster, Enchanted Circle Auto Lock & Key ($3,000)
• Armando Vigil, Valerie Vigil, and Marshall Garner, Let’s Roll Professional Painting Services ($2,500)
• Naoma STaley, The Sunshine Valley Festival ($2,500)
• Mark Brozio and Kami Ortega, Questa Bees ($2,500)
All participating businesses are considered winners. They had previously completed an 8-week incubator course through UNM-HIVE or attended pitch-development workshops. The event marked a milestone for each entrepreneur, many of whom left with valuable connections and ideas to fuel their next steps.
Additional contestants who showcased their innovation and passion included: Alex Romero and Wendy Medina, Evelyn’s Treats; Amy Hoy, RiverBrink LLC; Avelina Martinez, Redhawk Consulting LLC; Gene Jackson, Jackson Feed & Livestock; Hallie Dumont, Loba Collective; Mark White, Milagro Micaceous LLC; and Ruby Rae Allred, Ruby Sofrae LLC.
A huge congratulations to all pitch participants!
