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.
Continue readingNo 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.
Continue readingNational 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.
Continue readingSmall Business Week Includes Learning Sessions
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating small businesses in May with a breakfast and a virtual summit that includes learning sessions. The national summit takes place on May 5 and 6, and local businesses will be featured at a breakfast in Albuquerque on May 8, 2026.
Continue readingExplore 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.
Continue readingLiftFund Helps Owners Find Business Grants
The nonprofit lender LiftFund wants business owners to “secure the bag,” and it’s holding a webinar to increase access to business capital through grant funding. The webinar aims to help business owners find and win business grants.
Continue readingDreamSpring Lowers Loan Interest Rates
The nonprofit small-business lender DreamSpring has announced it has lowered interest rates and implemented a rate ceiling on loans. These and other 2026 measures aim to increase access to small business financing and ensure long-term affordability for its loan clients.
Continue readingBusiness Startup Blueprint Offered
The nonprofit lender LiftFund is offering a business startup blueprint to help entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality. Ready, Set, Launch is an online workshop that aims to prepare entrepreneurs to launch a business.
Continue readingRoadshows Prep Businesses for International Travelers
The New Mexico Tourism Department is hosting a series of “roadshows” to help tourism businesses understand how to work with international tour operators and grow their business through the global travel trade. The events will be held in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces from April 7 to April 9, 2026, in conjunction with the tourism authorities of the three cities.
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