PPP to Target Smallest and Minority Businesses

Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan program aim to better reach very small businesses and those owned by people of color —and particularly those who struggled to access the program during the first rounds of funding last year. The changes, which will be implemented on February 24, 2021, include:

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Winner of Online Pitch Competition to Receive $5k + Benefits

Arrowhead Innovation Fund (AIF), housed at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, is hosting an online pitch competition to introduce investors to companies with promising technologies developed and/or licensed by New Mexico start-up companies. AIF is focused on startups working in the agriculture, biotechnology, health/devices, information technology, engineering, energy, and water technology industry sectors.

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Outdoor Recreation as Economic Development: New Toolkit Available

The Rural Economic Development Toolkit, created by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, outlines best practices for building an outdoor recreation economy. Outdoor recreation offers opportunities for sustainable economic and community development, and most communities need help implementing those ambitious plans. The toolkit contains a list of federal grants and technical assistance programs that can support communities in securing funding and services, along with many other resources.

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Albuquerque Businesses Can Get Free PPE from WESST

Nonprofit economic development organization WESST has partnered with the City of Albuquerque to distribute free personal protection equipment (PPE) to businesses located within city limits.

Preregistered businesses can pick up a PPE box on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Each box contains 10 cloth masks, 100 disposable masks, and 3 bottles each of sanitizer and disinfectant.

Interested business owners must fill out this form prior to picking up their box. Pick-up location and details will be provided after registration.

RDC’s TEAM Fund will Accept Applications Beginning Feb. 15

The Regional Development Corporation, a nonprofit economic development organization, will begin accepting applications for its Technology and Manufacturing (TEAM) Fund on February 15. The application period runs through March 15 at 5:00 pm. Businesses located 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 February 24.

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Investor Roundtables Give Startups a Leg Up

The New Mexico Angels have joined forces with ABQid to increase quality interactions between early-stage startup companies and angel investors. The organizations aim to support startup founders with connections and feedback with the goal of helping them to potentially receive investment in their business venture. Roundtables are private events between founders and investors. Startups must apply online for consideration. The next Roundtable takes place on February 12.

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