Tag Archives: New Mexico business

New Digs for Farmington Dog Groomer

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Greta Wilson and Harmony Brown launched Suds & Snouts LLC in Farmington in 2026 to create a great pet grooming experience for both dogs and their owners. The company operated out of Greta’s home until July, when the pair moved into their own building with help from The Loan Fund.

Greta said that when it was time to take the leap and form their own business, expand their inventory and equipment, and move into a storefront, she found The Loan Fund during an online search.

The Loan Fund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides flexible financing to small businesses and nonprofit organizations across New Mexico. It specializes in supporting those often overlooked or turned down by traditional banks and lenders.

“We did try our bank in town, but they wouldn’t do a startup loan,” said Greta. Harmony added, “But (The Loan Fund) officer was extremely helpful and very communicative. They made the process extremely easy for us.”

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Small Business Lender Expo

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The New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center is teaming up with the nonprofit lender DreamSpring to help aspiring and existing business owners explore low-cost financing options. The Small Business Lender Expo takes place at the DreamSpring Albuquerque headquarters from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026. While the event focuses on resources for veterans, non-veterans are welcome to attend.

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Business Bootcamp is Culturally Relevant

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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.

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Child Care Businesses Get Access to Tools and Funding

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When the New Mexico Legislature passed landmark legislation to cement Universal Child Care in state law, the nonprofit lender WESST was already geared up. The WESST childcare accelerator program was training and providing funding for new childcare businesses to meet the needs of parents of preschoolers. WESST, long established as an expert in business consulting, training, incubation and lending, expanded to helping individuals start and grow sustainable child care businesses.

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A Business Loan Is Not Rocket Science

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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.

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Get Ready for Another Adventure Pitch Fest

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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.

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Business Growth Summit Features Access to Capital

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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.

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Homewise Helps Pop-Pop’s Italian Ice Grow

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Dominic Maestas, Pop Pop’s Italian Ice

For nearly three decades, Pop Pop’s Italian Ice has been bringing smiles to families across New Mexico. What started as a beloved neighborhood treat has grown into a statewide brand, serving communities through retail locations, food trucks, concession stands, and countless special events. Today, Pop Pop’s Italian Ice employs more than 40 people, operates eight mobile units, three retail locations, three concession stands, and recently moved into a new 10,0000-square-foot headquarters. But the journey to get here was built on hard work, resilience, and a commitment to community. And when it came time to take the next step, the nonprofit lender Homewise was proud to help.

“When we looked at this deal, what stood out wasn’t just a well-run business. It was a team that shows up for youth sports, schools, and neighborhood events consistently,” says Chris Anderson, Commerical Project Manager for Homewise. “Supporting businesses that activate and strengthen their communities is exactly what Homewise Commercial Loans are here to do.”

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Learn How to Start a Business in New Mexico

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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.

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