New Owner Expands with SBA Loans

Emad Elmaoued never thought he would be running a business providing disability services and support to the developmentally impaired community of New Mexico. He is now doing it with the help of SBA loans.

An alumnus of the University of New Mexico (UNM), Elmaoued earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and became a teaching assistant at UNM. From 2010-2021, he owned Gigateks, a company that maintains and administers computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, system software, applications software, and all configurations. When the opportunity arose to purchase ADID Care, Elmaoued was struck by its mission, and he acquired the business in 2017 with an SBA 7(a) loan.

ADID Care provides a variety of services to the developmentally impaired community of New Mexico. Supported Living, Family Living, Community Support, In-Home Support, Non-medical Transport, and Adult Nursing provided by ADID Care assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The company aims to empower individuals with special needs, advocating for inclusivity and independence through services and support in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. ADID Care operates 12 single-family residences with nursing staff assistance.

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Uncover Profit Opportunities

Small business owners building the skills to manage and grow a business can tap into B:Side University, a free web-based platform that breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable guidance that aims to help entrepreneurs navigate everything from financing to daily operations. B:Side University is hosting a live session on Zoom on June 3, 2026, to help business owners uncover profit opportunities.

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Relationships Matter More than Credit Score

Nonprofit lenders understand there are legitimate reasons and unforeseen circumstances that can cause credit scores to drop below what most traditional banks deem the minimum for granting a business loan. Nonprofit lenders such as WESST emphasize character and relationships more than they do credit scores. WESST will explain what this means during a webinar on May 21, 2026. The webinar is conducted monthly to introduce business owners to the WESST lending program.

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No Loan Collateral? No Problem

Small businesses that have been in operation for at least six months may be eligible for a collateral-free loan. The Credit Builder loan is an entry-level loan designed to help New Mexico businesses build or strengthen credit while accessing working capital. The Rural Express loan is similar and is for businesses located in rural areas of New Mexico. Neither Credit Builder nor Rural Express requires collateral, and both are offered by the nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) known as B:Side Fund.

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National Labs Offer Help through NMSBA

New Mexico’s national labs are committed to helping businesses in the state through the New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program. NMSBA is a statewide initiative that connects eligible small businesses with experts at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories for specialized support from scientists and engineers to help solve technical challenges, improve products, strengthen operations, and accelerate growth. Business owners interested in learning more about the NMSBA Program can attend an in-person meeting at The BioScience Center in Albuquerque at 11:30 am on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

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Explore Marketing Tools

Learn marketing strategy and explore marketing tools such as branding, websites, and e-commerce at a once-per-month workshop series offered in Santa Fe by the business development organization WESST. The series aims to give small business owners practical tools to increase visibility, attract customers, and support business growth. The series runs throughout 2026, with the upcoming April 29 session exploring ways customers find businesses.

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Loans and Resources Keep Business in the Air

DreamSpring loans helped Dave Jesurun expand the services of his business, High Country Air Service

Two years after launching High Country Air Service in Albuquerque, the COVID pandemic nearly grounded Dave Jesurun’s family business. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the nonprofit lender DreamSpring kept the company in the air and forged a new relationship that would take it to new heights in subsequent years. High Country Air Service offers a suite of services for private aircraft owners. A plane under High Country’s care is always ready for takeoff, no matter the challenge. 

Jesurun credits resilience for keeping him moving forward despite the ups and downs of running a small business.

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