Business owners often look at their marketing budget and wonder whether it’s working. They spend money on marketing and advertising without always having a clear picture of what’s bringing people in. The DreamSpring Resource Library has a new post that aims to give owners and entrepreneurs insight into finding their best customers. The library post offers marketing tips alongside a free Customer Acquisition Tracker.
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A Business Loan Is Not Rocket Science
One of the obstacles most commonly reported by entrepreneurs — particularly first-time business owners — is the difficulty of obtaining a business loan. Many start with their local bank, but if their borrower profile doesn’t match the bank’s, they stop with the first ‘no.” Getting a business loan doesn’t need to be difficult if a potential borrower knows where to look. And lender terms and requirements are not rocket science. The nonprofit lender and business development organization WESST is aware of how intimidating it can be to ask for a loan. That’s why it is offering a workshop to introduce business owners to its lending program.
Continue readingFind Out if You’re Capital-Ready
Business owners and entrepreneurs can use a new online tool to determine if their planned project, expansion, or purchase is bankable. The Capital Readiness Checklist is a confidential application that doesn’t want to know your name, email address, or any other personal information. Its purpose is to help users understand if they’re ready to apply for financing.
Continue readingGet Ready for Another Adventure Pitch Fest
Adventure Pitch Fest takes place in November, but businesses in New Mexico’s outdoor industry should start thinking now about how they want to participate. Applications to compete in the live pitch competition will be accepted until September 30, 2026, and an informational webinar and Q&A session will be held on August 26. The Pitch Fest awards $15,000 in cash. Organizations and businesses uninterested in pitching can participate by hosting booths that engage with investors, key industry stakeholders, and consumers.
Continue readingBusiness Growth Summit Features Access to Capital
The nonprofit lender and business development organization WESST, which offers consulting services and resources to small-business owners, will be on hand at the Business Growth Summit on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Albuquerque to discuss how entrepreneurs can access capital for their startup or established company.
Continue readingLearn How to Start a Business in New Mexico
Native American entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members in New Mexico can learn how to start a business at an online workshop hosted by the American Indian Business Enterprise Center at NMSU’s Arrowhead Center. The one-hour event, called From Idea to Enterprise, starts at 4:30 pm MDT on August 5, 2026. Registration is required.
Continue readingUnlock AI
The nonprofit lender DreamSpring is hosting two online workshops to help business owners initiate or expand their use of artificial intelligence. AI for Your Business: Getting Started takes place at 10:00 am MDT on Friday, July 24, 2026. The second session, AI for Your Business: Going Further, is at 10:00 am MDT on Friday, August 7.
Continue readingBusiness Technical Assistance is Part of the Job
Business owners looking for loans or lines of credit can face challenges that extend past financing needs. That’s why the nonprofit lender The Loan Fund offers business technical services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations that need help with financial and other planning. Prospective borrowers can get assistance with developing their business plan, organization, and financial forecasts. Once they become borrowers, The Loan Fund clients can expect ongoing advice regarding marketing, cash flow, and other operational challenges.
Continue readingGovernment Programs Can Finance a Business
The nonprofit lender LiftFund is hosting an online introduction to government programs that business owners can tap into for business funding. The one-hour webinar takes place on July 15, 2026, at 10:30 am Mountain Daylight Time. Discover the latest government funding programs and resources available to help finance and grow a small business in 2026.
Continue readingMicro-Grant Deadlines Coming Up
The Regional Development Corporation (RDC) is accepting applications for up to $3,000 in capital from its Micro-Grant Fund. And the national organization, Local Initiatives Support Corporate (LISC), is accepting applications for up to $5,000 in funding from its FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab fund. The criteria for each program differ widely, but both represent small business grant programs that can give new business owners critical funding for their enterprises.
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