Matilda Scheurer purchased Teresa’s Tamales in January of 2021, and she did it with help from The Loan Fund, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). In addition to obtaining a loan to purchase the long-time Cleveland, New Mexico restaurant, Scheurer got access to a technical advisor she can call when she needs business advice, feedback, or an answer to a question.

Joaquin Amador is The Loan Fund’s Technical Assistance Advisor in the northern part of the state*. Based in Santa Fe, Amador helps provide loans and lines of credit to small businesses and nonprofits and then offers technical support to ensure those businesses thrive.

Amador is well-positioned to offer assistance. With more than 20 years of management and marketing experience ranging from tech startup to multibillion-dollar global businesses, he is equipped to offer advice on strategic issues like business improvements, as well tactical challenges such as online marketing and search engine optimization. Two advanced degrees – an MBA from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science from the University of Chicago – give Amador a wide range of business knowledge he can share with The Loan Fund’s clients.

Scheurer said she was attracted to The Loan Fund because “they make loans that don’t necessarily fit a structure.” The add-on support has also been welcome.

“Joaquin offered financial expertise and provided a lot of information and direction,” she said, adding that her relationship with The Loan Fund has gone beyond dollar signs and business advice. Scheurer was appreciative when Amador and The Loan Fund CEO Leroy Pacheco attended the restaurant’s grand re-opening in October.

“They became our mentors, our friends,” she said.

The Loan Fund has made more than 2,100 loans and supported the creation or retention of nearly 12,000 jobs since its founding in 1989. While the average loan size is $110,000, loans range from $5,000 to $1 million. To learn more, visit https://www.loanfund.org/

Visit Teresa’s Tamales on NM-518 near Mora for Mexican food, signature tamales, and a wide variety of baked goods. Find hours of operation on the restaurant’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/teresastamales.

*Two more Technical Assistance Advisors, based in southern and central New Mexico respectively, serve The Loan Fund’s clients.

Finance New Mexico project article 801