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.
Continue readingTag Archives: New Mexico business
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.”
Continue readingSample New Tech with New Mexico MEP
New Mexico manufacturers can explore new technology at the Tech Demo room created by New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Collaborative robots, 3D printers, and quality control cameras are just a few of the tools available for testing.
Continue readingValue-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.
Continue readingRecovery 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.
Continue readingGallup 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.
Continue readingAn Entrepreneurial Playground
Entrepreneurs are fond of saying that starting their business was the most fun they’ve ever had and the hardest thing they’ve ever done. Several events in the coming weeks aim to offer some fun as they provide the resources, support, and entrepreneurial networks that offer startup business owners a solid foundation.
Continue readingSocial Media – Made Manageable
Creative Startups, known for its business accelerator programs, is offering a series of workshops designed for businesses in the outdoor recreation and experience industries. The series will focus on social media and will enable business owners to build or improve online sales and marketing.
Continue reading‘Tis the Season
New Mexico businesses rely on the support of local consumers all year, but the holidays are especially critical for many small and local merchants, particularly those on Main Street. Customers who shop locally support small community businesses and the people who work for them. They also keep tax money in the community, where it can be recycled and multiplied to pay for first responders, parks, and community centers. It’s an important proposition because many cities, towns, and villages derive as much as 85 percent of their annual revenue from gross receipts tax (GRT) proceeds.
Not sure where to start your holiday shopping? A number of organizations have created lists of locally-made products and vendors. Here are a few:
Continue readingNew Mexico Tax Holiday Coming
State law encourages holiday shoppers in New Mexico to buy from local merchants on the Saturday after Thanksgiving by providing a one-day gross receipts tax (GRT) exemption on qualifying purchases under $500. The law gives locals an incentive to support small, independent storefront retailers. For small businesses that have 10 or fewer employees, it’s a chance to give customers a discount without giving up revenue.
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