More than 12 percent of New Mexico’s population is Indigenous, according to the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department. The business development organization WESST aims to help them start businesses. WESST is hosting a two-day Indigenous Entrepreneur Bootcamp September 23 to 24, 2026, in Farmington and online.
The hybrid Indigenous Business Knowledge Bootcamp is designed to provide practical tools, valuable insights, and culturally relevant learning to help participants build and grow a successful business. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring business leaders looking to strengthen their business skills are also invited to attend.
Participants can attend in person or online. Participants will connect with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs, learn from experienced facilitators, and explore topics such as business planning, marketing, financial management, and sustainable growth.
WESST’s Native Women Rising Program is partnering with the HIVE at UNM Taos. The HIVE is offering technology resources to help Taos area entrepreneurs participate remotely. If participants need or would like technology and/or tech support to participate in the sessions, they are welcome to use resources in-person at Taos Hive, located at 1146 Gusdorf Road in Taos, New Mexico.
Attendees joining in person should arrive a little early to network and grab a seat at the WESST Farmington Women’s Business Center located on the campus of San Juan College, within the Quality Center for Business (QCB) building at 5101 College Blvd., Suite 5060 Farmington, NM 87402.
Speaker include Dawn Facka, Program Director at the WESST Farmington Women’s Business Center and Alysia Coriz, Native Women Rising Program Director at the WESST Albuquerque Women’s Business Center. Heather Gomez (Jicarilla Apache) and Joseph Toledo (Jemez Pueblo), both of whom are independent contractors affiliated with WESST in Farmington, will round out the program. Janelle Henry, Program Coordinator at WESST Farmington, will also speak.
WESST is a nonprofit organization that offers workshops, training, consulting, and lending to New Mexico businesses. Its Native Women Rising program is dedicated to fostering financial self-sufficiency by empowering Native American and Indigenous entrepreneurs to explore, launch, and grow successful businesses. WESST provides a clear, accessible path for both aspiring and current Native American business owners to stabilize and thrive.
Learn more about WESST, and view the YouTube overview about WESST’s Native Women Rising program.