LiftFund Supports Women-Owned Businesses

Women entrepreneurs often start businesses to provide a future for their children.

The number of women-owned businesses has increased exponentially in the last 20 years, and many of them have been helped by small business loans and training that supports the unique needs of women. Aleia Shipman’s story is a great example of the passionate women who gain assistance and loans from lenders such as LiftFund and other nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to start businesses and provide for their families.

In 2016, Shipman knew she needed to make a change, not only for herself but for her three children. She had been working in sales at a chemical company for 10 years helping the owner grow the business despite the resistance to her creative ideas and solutions. Shipman turned her frustration into opportunity and decided to branch out on her own. That’s when she founded 3G Chemical Solutions, LLC.

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Program for Doña Ana Business Startups

The nonprofit lender LiftFund is offering an online workshop on Monday, September 16, to help entrepreneurs in Doña Ana County navigate the sometimes murky and challenging path to starting a business. Owners of businesses that are already operational are also encouraged to attend. The workshop is part of the Doña Ana Small Business Program, which guides entrepreneurs from business concept to operations.

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SBA Ascent Training Program Starts Soon

The New Mexico District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging women entrepreneurs to apply to participate in its Ascent Training Program. Ascent is an online program that includes business skill training and networking with other women entrepreneurs. The deadline to apply to join the fall 2024 cohort is Wednesday, October 2. The program runs from October 3 to November 7, 2024.

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Startup Fiesta Aims to be New Mexico SXSW

ActivateNM is joining forces with the New Mexico Tech Council for a night of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial networking on the evening of September 10, 2024 at the Clyde Hotel in Albuquerque. Inspired by the success of events like SXSW, Startup Fiesta aims to foster innovation, inspire, and provide networking for the New Mexico entrepreneurial community.

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Buildwise with Homewise

The nonprofit organization Homewise, known for supporting homeownership and communities, is offering up to $850 of business consultation services for free to businesses in the construction industry. The Buildwise program offers individual consulting and networking events with industry peers and experts to help contractors and construction businesses develop the skills and resources needed to build a successful business.

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Start Up Forum Sept. 4-5 in Albuquerque

Startups, entrepreneurs, innovators, support organizations, local and state government, and anyone engaged in the innovation ecosystem in New Mexico should attend the New Mexico Startup Forum September 4-5, 2024 at Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque. The event features more than 55 speakers on topics ranging from bringing products to market to accessing capital.

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Route 66 Centennial Business Grant

A new microgrant program has been created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and help support businesses and attractions owned or operated by a woman or a group of women that are located along the route. Businesses that meet eligibility criteria must apply by August 26, 2024, for the current round of ten $2,000 grants.

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