Entrepreneurs and business owners looking for money to start or grow a business can gain insight into how lenders make small business loan decisions by attending a business finance fair. Events are often hosted online, while others, such as the February 29, 2024, Business Finance Fair in Santa Fe, are in-person events that also serve to connect business owners with local lenders.

The February 29 event, hosted by the City of Santa Fe Office of Economic Development, takes place from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center (GCCC) Community Room. Bankers and nonprofit lenders are expected to attend. Business owners are invited to stop in anytime; however, organizers encourage pre-registration to allow helpful follow-up contact by Santa Fe economic development professionals. Register here.

In addition to learning about loans and lines of credit that can propel business growth, visitors will gain insight into the lending criteria of traditional and nonprofit financial institutions. For example, some lenders evaluate criteria unassociated with credit scores, as this article describes.

Learn more about the Santa Fe Business Finance Fair, and subscribe to the Finance New Mexico newsletter to find out when other local lending events around the state are scheduled.