Joshua Arzabala knew he lacked business knowledge, but he had $50 to buy a used lawn mower and the will to forge a new path. Arzabala started Arzi’s Lawn Care, now an eight-person company in Hobbs that offers a wide variety of home services, including landscaping and yard maintenance for residential and commercial customers. Arzabala and his wife, Paloma, received business financing and consulting from the nonprofit business development organization WESST.

Arzabala contacted WESST for help to grow his small business. Meeting with the Hobbs-based team of WESST professionals, Arzabala was able to create a strong business strategy. With the team’s support, business documentation and administration became a breeze, and the new businessman could focus on customers, serving those he had and obtaining new ones. Arzabala worked all day, every day, for the first two years of the business, often at the expense of his personal and family life. With perseverance and business systems in place, he is now enjoying more time with his family and celebrating the milestones of his young daughter’s life.

The assistance Arzabala received from WESST was invaluable, and he continues to consult his WESST team for advice that is guiding his company’s success. When money was needed to purchase additional equipment and supplies, WESST stepped in to provide a microloan. It was money Arzabala was unlikely to obtain from a traditional bank because the amount he needed was below the lending threshold of most banks.

“Starting a new business was very difficult,” said Arzabala, “but having WESST be a part of my journey has been the best decision I’ve made to help me grow.”

As Arzabala discovered, one of the obstacles most commonly experienced by entrepreneurs — particularly first-time business owners — is the difficulty of obtaining capital. WESST helps bridge this gap by providing no-to-low interest rate small business loans in addition to training and consulting services.

WESST is one of three SBA micro-lenders in New Mexico that offer loans to small business owners who might not qualify for traditional bank loans. WESST offers both start-up loans for new businesses and loans to existing businesses. Small business loans range from $500 to $50,000 with payment terms of up to 60 months. WESST serves clients from its offices in Albuquerque, Farmington, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell, and Santa Fe.

As Arzi’s Lawn Care continues to grow, the company has prioritized giving back to the community of Lea County by actively supporting its growth and residents. Through donations of time, funds, and resources, Arzi’s Lawn Care champions local organizations and grassroots initiatives, nurturing the well-being of its community in southern New Mexico.

Learn more about WESST and the small business loans it offers. Contact Arzi’s Lawn Care in Hobbs for landscaping and other services in Lea County.