Construction Businesses Get Free Advice from Homewise

The nonprofit organization Homewise, known for supporting homeownership and communities, is offering up to $850 of business consultation services for free to businesses in the construction industry. The program, dubbed Buildwise, offers individual consulting and networking events with industry peers and experts to help contractors and construction businesses develop the skills and resources needed to build a successful business.

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Grow Your Business Through Government Contracting

Some of New Mexico’s largest employers were once small businesses looking for new sources of revenue. They found revenue and growth by contracting with the government. Ready to get started? Several resource providers aim to help you expand your business through federal, state, and local contracts.

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MEP Helps Doctor Meet Demand for Healing Products

To deal with the pain of postpartum mastitis, Janine Mahon drew on her knowledge of Chinese medicine to create a soothing topical salve for herself from herbs and oils. In the 20 years since she successfully treated her own breast pain, Mahon, a licensed and certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine, refined the product and shared it with clients at her Albuquerque clinic.

When one satisfied patient asked for a dozen bottles of the healing oil to share with friends, Mahon wondered if there might be a larger market beyond her regular clients. Mahon launched Dr. Janine Mahon’s Rejuvenating Breast Oil exclusively through Violet Grey, a high-end retailer with extensive online reach and sales through its Melrose Place store in Los Angeles.

“I went from no product to a dream store launching it,” she said. “Being in Violet Grey led to other places wanting to carry it.”

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Value-Added Producer Grants 2022

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for grants to help farmers, ranchers, and producers maximize the value of the items they produce. Value-added products are agricultural products that have been modified or physically changed to enhance their value. Examples include salsa made from tomatoes and energy produced from farm animal methane.

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Recovery Fund Fills Void Left by Expired PPP

New Mexico’s Small Business Recovery Loan Fund offers up to $150,000 with low interest to pandemic-impacted businesses. The fund was created to assist New Mexico businesses unable to access any or enough Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, and it continues to fill that void now that the PPP has expired. The loan program is open to applicants until December 31, 2022.

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Gallup Community Central to Music-Store Owner

Rhonda and Ryan Quintana connected over music. Born and raised in Gallup, both were active in the local music scene — Rhonda as a singer and Ryan playing guitar while pursuing a music degree.

It was no surprise, then, when Rhonda and Ryan opened Quintana’s Music Center in 2017 on Gallup’s Coal Avenue in the heart of the city’s revitalized downtown. The store sells musical instruments and band equipment, and the Quintanas work with schools to help students get the instruments they need.

Rhonda said dedication to community is central to what they do. Before the pandemic, Rhonda served on various boards, led fundraising efforts for local charities, and provided management and logistics for community-energizing local events through the business.

“We try really hard to be ingrained in our community,” Rhonda said.

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