Awe-inspiring natural landscapes, world-class water systems, a perfect climate and a business-friendly environment result in the best location for any entrepreneur looking to start or relocate their business. 

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reports the outdoor economy contributed $2.4 billion to the state’s GDP in 2019. Four Corners Economic Development and other community leaders are poised to capitalize on the Region’s outdoor amenities and help your business find success in this growing industry.

Businesses can thrive here with a wide range of natural outdoor amenities that an active resident and tourist base choose to experience. The Region is a gateway to some of the best wide open spaces in National Parks, Monuments and Wilderness Areas the Southwest has to offer. An easily accessible river and lake system offer world-class fly fishing and numerous water sports. And those wide open spaces lend to ample hiking, mountain biking and off-roading opportunities. 

Community Leaders committed to your success

Region leadership groups have made the Outdoor Recreation Industry a priority, resulting in an advantageous support stem for entrepreneurs looking to start or relocate their business here. In 2017, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative (ORII) was launched with a commitment to  capitalize on existing outdoor recreational opportunities in the region and grow and attract outdoor businesses. Four Corners Economic Development partners with a broad range of community partners in a commitment to provide an extensive support system that guides, outfitters and gear manufacturers can use to increase the success of their businesses.

Farmington is embracing the ORII, taking a number of key steps to help promote outdoor recreation businesses. It is the first community in the state to open an outdoor recreation office, has a dedicated one-quarter percent tax increment to fund outdoor recreation initiatives in a Community Transformation and Economic Development. The city has also placed an emphasis on developing it’s Animas River Area’s industrial characteristics into a hub for light outdoor recreation manufacturing, product testing and outfitter businesses. Additionally, the San Juan College Quality Center for Business’ Big Idea Innovation Accelerator to assist entrepreneurs, researchers, and inventors to move outdoor recreation products from concept to commercialization.

All together, this momentum has not gone unnoticed, as the Outdoor Industry Association suggested Farmington is poised to become the next Moab!

Another benefit to prospective entrepreneurs is the presence of five Opportunity Zones in the region with available buildings and sites. One is located at the Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington, with 200 acres of land providing ample space for a center of operations for outdoor recreation businesses. In addition to the air service, the nearby Highways 64 and 170 provide direct access to other markets in all directions.

4CED understands the value of current and future outdoor recreation businesses. Contact us to see how we can help you find success today!

Current Outdoor Recreation Businesses