NMSBA Program Improves Production

FreshPure Waters was founded to replace single-use plastic water bottles by providing consumers with a more eco-friendly refillable bulk water option. Its system specializes in high-pH alkaline, reverse osmosis, and deionized water, all in one machine. However, the rapidly growing demand for its purified water systems outpaced its production capabilities.

FreshPure Waters applied for assistance through the New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program, a unique opportunity that brings the technology and expertise of New Mexico’s national laboratories and their partners to solve problems that inhibit business growth.

The NMSBA Program paired FreshPure Waters with Wesley Eccles and Jeff Abrams, directors at New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (New Mexico MEP), to lead the initiative to optimize production, improve system maintenance, and expand market reach.

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VAPG Grant Awards Up To $75,000 For Feasibility Studies

The portal to apply for a Value Added Producer Grant is open until April 17, 2025, but agriculture producers and food manufacturers should prepare now to apply. The VAPG program, funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, awards up to $75,000 for feasibility research and planning and up to $250,000 for operating expenses to individual businesses and organizations engaged in adding value to agricultural products.

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Another Grant, Another Deadline

Northern New Mexico businesses that have an immediate need for money to diversify, sustain or grow revenue, leverage other investments, and/or put systems in place that will lead to growth and create job opportunities have until May 12 at 5:00 pm to submit an application for a grant of $500 to $3,000 from the Regional Development Corporation (RDC). Grants are made on a competitive basis to businesses in RDC’s service area, which is defined as the counties of Santa Fe, Sandoval, San Miguel, Mora, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and Taos.

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Grants Available to Businesses Impacted by Wildfire

The Wildfire Business Assistance Grant Program provides emergency assistance to business owners and self-employed individuals whose businesses were physically damaged or saw reduced revenue due to recent wildfires. The $1.5 million temporary grant program offers support when federal assistance falls short.

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Grants for Tribal Businesses

The Regional Development Corporation is offering grants of up to $8,000 to businesses that are 51 percent or more owned by a Northern New Mexico tribal member to grow, diversify revenue, leverage other investments, create new jobs, and put systems in place that lead to growth.

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