The U.S. Small Business Administration partners with nonprofit lenders to help businesses access small infusions of cash for working capital and expenses related to inventory, supplies, equipment, furniture, and fixtures. The SBA Microloan Program aims to help small businesses that are unable to access capital from traditional sources. The average loan size is $13,000.
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Northwest NM Council of Governments
Economic development organizations recruit new businesses and support existing businesses through relationships and programs that accelerate individual business growth. ED organizations help with site selection, financial incentives and connections to region-specific resources.
Continue readingLoan Gives New Life to Las Cruces Cafe
Melissa Salazar was a manager at a Las Cruces McDonald’s when she and her father, Jaime Salazar, an executive chef at the Holiday Inn, took over La Nueva Casita Café, a Mexican restaurant in the Historic Mesquite District in 2005.
“My brother was driving through the neighborhood and saw the building was for rent. My dad grew up two blocks from here,” said Melissa, describing downtown Las Cruces and the original township. “We applied to be occupants and the owner said there were several people who inquired about it but he thought that my dad would be the right one to carry on what his mother started.”
La Nueva Casita was created in 1957 along the Camino Real, the same route that brought conquistadors from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Historians note that the path was also likely used by Indigenous people for travel years prior. Many who remain in the neighborhood are descendants of the original settlers who created Las Cruces, with some of the homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Continue readingSBA Small Business Week – Virtual in 2022
Congratulations to Joy Colucci, CEO of Metis Technology Solutions, who has been named New Mexico Small Business Person of the Year by the US Small Business Administration New Mexico District office. Ms. Colucci will speak about her business journey at an award ceremony on May 3 and will join other state and regional awardees at this year’s SBA Small Business Summit on May 5 as part of the SBA National Small Business Week Summit, which runs from May 2 through May 5. All events are offered virtually this year.
Continue readingHelp for New Mexico Tourism Businesses
The New Mexico Tourism Department has launched the Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability Program to help preserve, grow, and sustain New Mexico’s tourism events. Businesses engaged in tourism can get financial and planning assistance to develop or support their tourism-related events.
Continue reading7A Community Advantage Still Available
The U.S. Small Business Administration created the 7A Community Advantage loan program as a pilot program to help small businesses in underserved markets. The program was scheduled to expire on September 30, 2022.
Continue readingSubscribe to WESST Podcasts
The business development organization WESST is bringing business inspiration to your earbuds. Minding Your Business is a podcast and radio show that features New Mexico business owners and the steps they have taken toward building successful companies.
Continue reading1 Million Cups Going Strong in ABQ
Ten years ago, 1 Million Cups began in Kansas City with a simple idea: entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee. Since then, 132 communities across the country — including Albuquerque — set aside Wednesday mornings for entrepreneurs to present their businesses to members of the community and make authentic connections in order to take the next step in their business venture.
Continue readingGrow Your Business Through Government Contracting
Some of New Mexico’s largest employers were once small businesses looking for new sources of revenue. They found revenue and growth by contracting with the government. Ready to get started? Several resource providers aim to help you expand your business through federal, state, and local contracts.
Continue readingSmall-Grant Program Accepting Applications
Businesses in Northern New Mexico can apply for up to $3,000 in funding from the Regional Development Corporation’s Micro-Grant program. Businesses must be headquartered within the RDC’s service area and owners must attend a webinar scheduled for April 12, 2022.
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