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.
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Relationships Matter More than Credit Score
Nonprofit lenders understand there are legitimate reasons and unforeseen circumstances that can cause credit scores to drop below what most traditional banks deem the minimum for granting a business loan. Nonprofit lenders such as WESST emphasize character and relationships more than they do credit scores. WESST will explain what this means during a webinar on May 21, 2026. The webinar is conducted monthly to introduce business owners to the WESST lending program.
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 readingSmall Business Week Includes Learning Sessions
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating small businesses in May with a breakfast and a virtual summit that includes learning sessions. The national summit takes place on May 5 and 6, and local businesses will be featured at a breakfast in Albuquerque on May 8, 2026.
Continue readingLoans and Resources Keep Business in the Air
Two years after launching High Country Air Service in Albuquerque, the COVID pandemic nearly grounded Dave Jesurun’s family business. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the nonprofit lender DreamSpring kept the company in the air and forged a new relationship that would take it to new heights in subsequent years. High Country Air Service offers a suite of services for private aircraft owners. A plane under High Country’s care is always ready for takeoff, no matter the challenge.
Jesurun credits resilience for keeping him moving forward despite the ups and downs of running a small business.
Continue readingLiftFund Helps Owners Find Business Grants
The nonprofit lender LiftFund wants business owners to “secure the bag,” and it’s holding a webinar to increase access to business capital through grant funding. The webinar aims to help business owners find and win business grants.
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 readingBusiness Startup Blueprint Offered
The nonprofit lender LiftFund is offering a business startup blueprint to help entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality. Ready, Set, Launch is an online workshop that aims to prepare entrepreneurs to launch a business.
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 readingResource Fair Has Answers for Small Businesses
SCORE is hosting a small-business resource fair to help entrepreneurs and business owners access free and low-cost resources and make connections that can help them grow their companies or ideas. The free event runs from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Sid Cutter building at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque.
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