Author Archives: Admin

NM LEEP Accepting Applications

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The New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NM LEEP) is accepting applications from technology entrepreneurs ready to obtain two years of individualized assistance to commercialize their technology. The program pairs deep-tech entrepreneurs with the unique talent and technology of Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories, matching LEEP fellows with seed capital and a large network of mentors, customers, and investors. Applications will be accepted from February 22 to April 22, 2024.

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Business Finance Fairs Offer Insight

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Entrepreneurs and business owners looking for money to start or grow a business can gain insight into how lenders make small business loan decisions by attending a business finance fair. Events are often hosted online, while others, such as the February 29, 2024, Business Finance Fair in Santa Fe, are in-person events that also serve to connect business owners with local lenders.

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Entrepreneur Responds to Market Needs

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When Las Cruces resident Silvia Terrazas looked for videos to rent in Spanish, she found none so she created a store to fill that need. In 2000, she obtained financing to open Video Exitos, where she placed a freezer filled with ice cream and the Mexican-style popsicles known as paletas. 

Terrazas noticed the ice cream treats were popular and she decided to learn how to make her own Michoacan-style ice cream and paletas, venturing to the Mexican state of Michoacan to attend an ice cream-making course. She learned how to incorporate the state’s fresh fruit into popsicles and ice cream.

In 2005, Terrazas was ready to expand her business. She went to the nonprofit lender, The Loan Fund, for a loan to construct a building for her new ice cream and treat shop, Paleteria La Reyna Michoacana where she could also sell pinatas, candy, and other Mexican specialty items.

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No-Interest Loan for Manufacturers and Technology Companies

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Applications for zero-interest business loans of up to $20,000 will be accepted starting February 15, 2024. The no-interest loans are offered to Northern New Mexico manufacturing and technology-based companies by the Regional Development Corporation as part of its TEAM Fund. Applications are due by March 17.

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Startup Loan Enables Construction Entrepreneur

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Aaron Gutierrez, owner and president of Albuquerque Construction & Concrete, can do it all. That’s because he spent years building and supervising multimillion-dollar construction projects across New Mexico, although always for other people. “I’ve been with some great employers who were pretty well established and had a good system set up,” he said. “I was able to learn a lot from them and pick up what I needed.” 

When he decided to strike out on his own, Gutierrez got his general contracting license and went to school for an associate degree in Construction Management. He had the technical skills, management experience, and rock-solid relationships with tradespeople and suppliers — not to mention clients who were eager to work with him. Now he just needed working capital to get started.  

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You Don’t Have to be a Skier to Learn from the Ski Lift Pitch

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Entrepreneurs and investors come together on February 5 and 6 in Taos during the Ski Lift Pitch, a pitchfest event designed to introduce New Mexico high-growth startups to equity investors. Pitch companies were selected in early January from submitted applications, but startup founders are encouraged to attend as observers to learn what goes into a successful pitch.

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Free Access to ASCEND2.0 Educational Videos

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Interested in learning about intellectual property? Or maybe you’re ready to start a new technology business and aren’t sure how. These topics and more are now accessible on the ASCEND2.0 website. ASCEND2.0 is a collaboration of entrepreneurs, funders, and educators to help technology startups gain traction.

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NMSBA Program Accepting Applications for Leveraged Projects

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The NMSBA program allows Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories to apply their unique expertise and capabilities to help for-profit, New Mexico small businesses solve critical challenges. Technical assistance is provided at no cost to the businesses and is rendered in the form of laboratory staff time and incidental materials.

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New Owners Put Silver City Tile Company on Path for Growth

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Within two years of purchasing Syzygy Tile Works in Silver City, Josh and Carolyn White knew they needed to expand the business to meet national and international demand for their high-end, handcrafted ceramic tiles.

Josh had worked for the company for 16 years before the previous owner retired, and he quickly made improvements to shorten production times. But with employees needing as much as three years to fully learn their craft, customers were waiting four to five months for product delivery.

The Whites knew this was an unsustainable interval. In 2020, they contacted the state Economic Development Department to ask what resources were available to small manufacturers. They were referred to New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (New Mexico MEP), a nonprofit dedicated to helping small manufacturers streamline production and become more competitive.

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