Buildwise with 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 Buildwise program 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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Start Up Forum Sept. 4-5 in Albuquerque

Startups, entrepreneurs, innovators, support organizations, local and state government, and anyone engaged in the innovation ecosystem in New Mexico should attend the New Mexico Startup Forum September 4-5, 2024 at Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque. The event features more than 55 speakers on topics ranging from bringing products to market to accessing capital.

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WESST Offers Financial Literacy Training

The nonprofit economic development organization WESST is now offering financial literacy training through its Money Learning Lab. The lab brings small business makers, doers and dreamers together to access tools that will help build their business.

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EDD Launches New Technical Assistance Program

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) is launching a new initiative aimed at assisting small, disadvantaged businesses with technical assistance so they can better succeed. HatchForm LLC, WESST, and UNM Anderson are the initial providers for this program.

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Homewise Helps Couple Buy Building

Christina and Carlos Davis launched Trendz Beauty Supply in December 2010 in Albuquerque to offer high-quality hair and wigs at affordable prices. Having had several negative experiences at other hair stores, the couple decided to make customer service one of their company’s hallmarks. The strategy has paid off. After opening their original shop of 1,700 square feet, the growth of their loyal customer base propelled the company into filling a 3,000 square foot shop, and subsequently into their current 8,000 square foot location with a nearby warehouse encompassing another 2,850 square feet.

The rented space has served the needs of Trendz Beauty Supply, but the Davis’s always wanted to own their own building. That opportunity arose when they learned the owner of the building housing their store was interested in selling.

With the help of the nonprofit lender Homewise, the Davis’s obtained an affordable commercial real estate loan and purchased the building in June of 2022.

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The Loan Fund Has More Money to Lend

The New Mexico Small Business Investment Corporation (NMSBIC) has allocated an additional $2.5 million to The Loan Fund, making its total investment to the nonprofit financial institution $37.5 million. The additional funds will allow The Loan Fund to offer more capital to small businesses to help them grow.

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Black Business Summit Aims to Advance Economic Freedom

The 2024 Black Business Summit will be held in Albuquerque from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, June 15. Hear from community members who have been on the journey from incubators, to contracting, to doing business globally, and learn important information on the Corporate Transparency Act, business formation considerations for entrepreneurs, small business loan opportunities, and more.

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IP For Artists – (and Businesses)

Business owners interested in learning how to protect their creations should attend WESST’s Intellectual Property workshop at 6:00 pm on June 12 in Bernalillo. The workshop is geared toward artists, however, all business owners will find the information can help them protect their logo and product packaging designs.

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