The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for grants to help farmers, ranchers, and producers maximize the value of the items they produce. Value-added products are agricultural products that have been modified or physically changed to enhance their value. Examples include salsa made from tomatoes and energy produced from farm animal methane.
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Recovery Fund Fills Void Left by Expired PPP
New Mexico’s Small Business Recovery Loan Fund offers up to $150,000 with low interest to pandemic-impacted businesses. The fund was created to assist New Mexico businesses unable to access any or enough Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, and it continues to fill that void now that the PPP has expired. The loan program is open to applicants until December 31, 2022.
Continue readingGallup Community Central to Music-Store Owner
Rhonda and Ryan Quintana connected over music. Born and raised in Gallup, both were active in the local music scene — Rhonda as a singer and Ryan playing guitar while pursuing a music degree.
It was no surprise, then, when Rhonda and Ryan opened Quintana’s Music Center in 2017 on Gallup’s Coal Avenue in the heart of the city’s revitalized downtown. The store sells musical instruments and band equipment, and the Quintanas work with schools to help students get the instruments they need.
Rhonda said dedication to community is central to what they do. Before the pandemic, Rhonda served on various boards, led fundraising efforts for local charities, and provided management and logistics for community-energizing local events through the business.
“We try really hard to be ingrained in our community,” Rhonda said.
Continue readingTEAM Fund Now Open
The Regional Development Corporation, a nonprofit economic development organization, is accepting applications for its Technology and Manufacturing (TEAM) Fund until March 15, 2022. Manufacturing businesses headquartered in the counties of Sandoval, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, San Miguel, Mora, Rio Arriba, and Taos that meet other criteria are eligible if they attend the mandatory information webinar on March 1.
Continue readingNonprofit Offers More Than Small Business Loans
By the time a client gets a loan from The Loan Fund, she’s in a committed partnership with the nonprofit lender. That’s because The Loan Fund offers business development consulting to all potential clients — not just those who receive loans.
The Loan Fund loan officers provide “pre-loan consulting” the moment they receive an inbound call or greet an office visitor. And consulting continues after the client walks out the door — either to get more prepared or to start putting the loan money to work building a business, creating jobs and improving communities. The Loan Fund is fully invested with the people whose business startup and expansion plans it helps finance —even with those who aren’t ready for a loan.
To fulfill its mission “to provide loans and assistance to improve the economic and social conditions of New Mexicans,” The Loan Fund offers the kind of advice and support that help businesses grow and reach sustainability.
Continue readingGrants for Black & Underserved Entrepreneurs
Several national organizations and retailers are celebrating Black History Month by offering new grants or highlighting existing grants available to Black entrepreneurs. Eligibility in most of these programs is also open to Indigenous and Female entrepreneurs. Most of the grants award credit for services rather than cash, and applicants compete against similar businesses nationwide.
Continue readingSearch for Patents
A patent search tool launched by the United States Patent Trademark Office provides remote full-text searching of all U.S. patents and published patent applications. Entrepreneurs can use the search tool to find out about patents and patent applications that are similar to their idea or invention.
Continue readingAn Entrepreneurial Playground
Entrepreneurs are fond of saying that starting their business was the most fun they’ve ever had and the hardest thing they’ve ever done. Several events in the coming weeks aim to offer some fun as they provide the resources, support, and entrepreneurial networks that offer startup business owners a solid foundation.
Continue readingGet Marketing Help from NM True
Businesses in the tourism sector can get financial assistance for advertising by participating in the New Mexico Tourism Department’s Cooperative Advertising program. Applications to participate in the fiscal year 2023 will be accepted March 1 through April 8, 2022, but applicants are required to complete the Partner Priorities & Situation Assessment Survey by February 7 to be eligible for funding.
Continue readingMore Social Media!
The business development organization WESST is offering a workshop to help business owners create an impactful social media campaign. The free one-hour workshop takes place online on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Spend your lunch with WESST and learn how to create efficiency in your social media marketing.
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