The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides loan guarantees to lenders, giving borrowers access to higher amounts of capital than the bank could offer on its own. As of July 4, 2026, the SBA is increasing the maximum amount that borrowers can access through its 7(a) and 504 signature lending programs.
Continue readingTag Archives: New Mexico business
New Owner Expands with SBA Loans
Emad Elmaoued never thought he would be running a business providing disability services and support to the developmentally impaired community of New Mexico. He is now doing it with the help of SBA loans.
An alumnus of the University of New Mexico (UNM), Elmaoued earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and became a teaching assistant at UNM. From 2010-2021, he owned Gigateks, a company that maintains and administers computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, system software, applications software, and all configurations. When the opportunity arose to purchase ADID Care, Elmaoued was struck by its mission, and he acquired the business in 2017 with an SBA 7(a) loan.
ADID Care provides a variety of services to the developmentally impaired community of New Mexico. Supported Living, Family Living, Community Support, In-Home Support, Non-medical Transport, and Adult Nursing provided by ADID Care assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The company aims to empower individuals with special needs, advocating for inclusivity and independence through services and support in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. ADID Care operates 12 single-family residences with nursing staff assistance.
Continue readingUncover Profit Opportunities
Small business owners building the skills to manage and grow a business can tap into B:Side University, a free web-based platform that breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable guidance that aims to help entrepreneurs navigate everything from financing to daily operations. B:Side University is hosting a live session on Zoom on June 3, 2026, to help business owners uncover profit opportunities.
Continue readingNo Loan Collateral? No Problem
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least six months may be eligible for a collateral-free loan. The Credit Builder loan is an entry-level loan designed to help New Mexico businesses build or strengthen credit while accessing working capital. The Rural Express loan is similar and is for businesses located in rural areas of New Mexico. Neither Credit Builder nor Rural Express requires collateral, and both are offered by the nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) known as B:Side Fund.
Continue readingExplore Marketing Tools
Learn marketing strategy and explore marketing tools such as branding, websites, and e-commerce at a once-per-month workshop series offered in Santa Fe by the business development organization WESST. The series aims to give small business owners practical tools to increase visibility, attract customers, and support business growth. The series runs throughout 2026, with the upcoming April 29 session exploring ways customers find businesses.
Continue readingDreamSpring Lowers Loan Interest Rates
The nonprofit small-business lender DreamSpring has announced it has lowered interest rates and implemented a rate ceiling on loans. These and other 2026 measures aim to increase access to small business financing and ensure long-term affordability for its loan clients.
Continue readingRoadshows Prep Businesses for International Travelers
The New Mexico Tourism Department is hosting a series of “roadshows” to help tourism businesses understand how to work with international tour operators and grow their business through the global travel trade. The events will be held in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces from April 7 to April 9, 2026, in conjunction with the tourism authorities of the three cities.
Continue readingLoans Help Ballet Academy Stay on Pointe
Megan Yackovich founded Ballet Taos Academy in 2016 to help young dancers develop their passion for this classical art form. A former professional dancer who previously operated an academy in Colorado Springs, Yackovich fell in love with Taos while traveling through and decided to stay. Small business loans and assistance from the nonprofit lender The Loan Fund helped anchor Yackovich and her nonprofit academy in New Mexico.
Continue readingDo Business with Sandia National Laboratories
Small businesses looking to grow might consider doing business with Sandia National Laboratories. Companies that can deliver high-quality specialized services and world-class technologies are always in demand at Sandia. Businesses that offer products and services that support Sandia’s research and development, electronics and machining, telecommunications, and more can learn what Sandia buys on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the annual Sandia National Laboratories Opportunities Fair in Albuquerque.
Continue readingPilot Program Helps Albuquerque Small Businesses Reduce Energy Costs
Albuquerque electricity provider PNM is launching a new initiative that aims to help small businesses in Albuquerque reduce energy costs, improve safety, and invest in energy-efficient upgrades. The 2026 Business UpLift (BUL) Pilot Program targets small businesses in neighborhoods identified by the City of Albuquerque as facing economic challenges. If the Albuquerque pilot proves to be successful, the program will eventually expand across all of PNM’s service territory.
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