First Annual Rural EcoDevo Summit & Pitch Competition, hosted by Fundamental Needs—an organization renowned for its community-led, hands-on approach to solving critical rural challenges. From installing 170+ off-grid water and solar systems across the Navajo Nation (via our Oasis Project), to empowering youth through entrepreneurship programs and launching the Cortez Makerspace—a permanent hub for trades, fabrication, and creative enterprise—our work is all about building solutions by the community, for the community. This fall, Fundamental Needs and the Montezuma Leadership Network are teaming up to bring together innovators, business leaders, nonprofits, and community members for a season of hands-on workshops, startup tracks, and youth-powered ideas.

About the Event

● Workshops (Sept. 4, 11, 18): Exclusive sessions for Pitch Competition participants, covering Branding & Marketing, Funding & Finances, and Creating a Pitch Deck.

● Pitch Competition (Oct. 4): Entrepreneurs of all ages present their ideas in three tracks—youth, startups, and existing small businesses—for cash prizes and growth support.

● Summit Gathering (Oct. 11): Free and open to the public. A full day of breakout sessions in Tech Education, Legal & Financing, and Business Development at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce & Cultural Center.

● Gala & Launch Party (Oct. 11 evening): Celebration at the new Cortez Makerspace, doubling as a ribbon cutting and the official Pitch Competition awards ceremony, followed by a community celebration.