The Rural Eco-Devo Summit 2025, a joint effort of Fundamental Needs and the Montezuma Leadership Network, kicks off with a series of business workshops leading up to a pitch competition aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and addressing community challenges.
The workshops span three sessions. The first was Sept. 4, and the remaining two are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11, and Thursday, Sept. 18. Workshops are available in person and virtually. In-person sessions take place at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Community members with ideas and a desire to solve local problems are encouraged to participate.
The pitch competition is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, at the new Cortez Makerspace, 209 W. Main St. It offers local entrepreneurs and innovators financial and strategic support for their ideas or current ventures.
Three tracks are available to pitch competition participants, who are asked to attend or view recordings of the workshops before competing. The first track is for high school and young entrepreneurs ages 13 to 21. The other two include startups under 3 years old and established small businesses. Participants are encouraged to pitch new ideas, present startups or propose expansion plans that address local issues or promote economic growth.
Prizes include cash awards and scholarships; details will be announced later.
Registration is open at www.montezumaleadershipnetwork.org. For more information, contact Michelle at michelle@fundamentalneeds.net.
Fundamental Needs, a local nonprofit established by Cortez resident Justice Ramos, serves underserved communities by addressing critical needs in clean water, electricity, education and economic opportunities. Through its Oasis Project, Fundamental Needs has installed more than 170 off-grid water and solar systems across the Navajo Nation while training high school students in renewable energy and plumbing.
The upcoming Cortez Makerspace will provide workforce training in trades and entrepreneurship, and Fundamental Needs’ Youth Entrepreneurship Program at Southwest Open School connects students with mentors to launch community-focused ventures.
The soft opening of the Cortez Makerspace is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, from 4 to 11 p.m. Attendees can tour the new facility, learn about available equipment and hear how it will benefit the community.
Casino night games begin at 4 p.m., with alcohol service available until 9 p.m.
The Montezuma Leadership Network, founded in 2022, aims to cultivate strong leadership in Montezuma County.
