Albuquerque electricity provider PNM is launching a new initiative that aims to help small businesses in Albuquerque reduce energy costs, improve safety, and invest in energy-efficient upgrades. The 2026 Business UpLift (BUL) Pilot Program targets small businesses in neighborhoods identified by the City of Albuquerque as facing economic challenges. If the Albuquerque pilot proves to be successful, the program will eventually expand across all of PNM’s service territory.
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Is it a Hobby or Business?
It’s tax time, and the Internal Revenue Service wants to know if your income and expenses are related to a business or if your activities are a hobby that is done for pleasure. When determining if activities are a hobby or a business, tax filers can check the boxes, but no single factor is decisive. The final arbiter is the IRS, which considers multiple factors to determine if someone is operating a business whose income will be taxed or expenses deducted.
Continue readingTribal Grant and TEAM Fund Open Applications
The Regional Development Corporation has begun accepting applications for its Tribal Grant Program and its TEAM Fund. The Tribal Grant offers up to $5,000 to eligible businesses owned by an enrolled member of a Northern New Mexico tribe, while the TEAM Fund offers no-interest loans of up to $20,000 to Northern New Mexico manufacturing and technology companies.
Continue readingFinancial Basics Offered
B:Side Capital is hosting a step-by-step program designed to help participants build essential financial knowledge through online and in-person sessions. Attend the March 4, 2026, virtual meeting to learn about Managing Your Finances, and join by web again on March 11 to learn about the Power of Saving. A final session is offered in person at the B:Side Denver office on March 18, when participants explore working capital loans starting at $10,000.
Continue readingLocal Program Has National Implications for Entrepreneurs
The New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (NM LEEP) has selected its fifth cohort of deep-tech innovators. The two-year fellowship, based at Los Alamos National Laboratory, supports entrepreneurs working to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies that address the nation’s most urgent energy, security, and economic challenges.
The program pairs deep-tech entrepreneurs with the unique talent and technology of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Fellows are matched with seed capital, a large network of mentors, customers, and investors to help entrepreneurs transition technology into a scalable product. The program also offers a generous stipend, health insurance, travel reimbursement, and relocation assistance.
Applications for the 2027 cohort will be accepted beginning February 28, 2026. The application period closes on May 8, 2026.
Continue readingTechnology Opportunities Highlighted
Technology ready for commercialization and other opportunities will be highlighted at the 2026 Innovate New Mexico Technology Showcase, an annual event taking place on Tuesday, March 3, in Albuquerque. Participants can explore emerging technology and commercialization opportunities from The University of New Mexico, the Air Force Research Lab, Los Alamos National Lab, Sandia National Labs, NASA, New Mexico Tech, and New Mexico State University.
Continue readingSuppliers and Customers Can Help with Financing
Discover financing options with suppliers and customers, and learn how to build business capacity by leveraging business contracts during a February 12, 2026, webinar hosted by the nonprofit lender LiftFund.
Continue readingWESST Has Microloans
The nonprofit lender and business development organization WESST is offering a virtual workshop to introduce business owners to its lending program. Register ahead and then sign into Zoom at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 29, 2026.
Continue readingTake the Ski Lift to Funding
Activate NM at CNM Ingenuity is hosting its popular Ski Lift Pitch at Taos Ski Valley on February 2-3, 2026. Ten startup companies have been selected to pitch, but entrepreneurs can learn what venture capitalists look for in a fundable startup by attending the event. You don’t have to ski to participate, but why not have some fun while you learn and network?
Continue readingTax Changes Aloft
Changes are coming to tax returns, and the nonprofit lender DreamSpring aims to help small business owners prepare. Join DreamSpring on Zoom on February 3, 2026, at 12:00 pm to learn about the changes brought about by the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
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