updated 1/13/21

You've probably heard that 50% of businesses fail within the first 5 years. Being an entrepreneur or owning a small business isn't known for being a sure thing. According to the Small Business Administration, this fact holds true across industries. So, whether your business is in retail, food, travel, construction - the rate of success is essentially the same, across the board.
The SBA also says the four main reasons why small businesses fail are lack of funds, poor management, faulty business model, and ineffective marketing. Failure in any of these areas is ultimately due to lack of strategic planning. And, strategic planning is only as good as the research you do. And research takes time. To help local businesses increase your chance of survival, I will be sharing what I know and doing a lot of research on all of these topics.
Lack of money is the thing business owners will readily admit is an issue. It is the number one reason for business failure and it is an even more pressing issue in 2020. So, my first post with resources to support small businesses in New Mexico is all about the money.
Note: I'm not promoting any particular service or institution. YOU need to put in the time to find the best option for you.
Ways to Get Funded
You don't need to be independently wealthy to start and run a business. In fact, a relatively large number of businesses need less than $5,000 to get started (and a relatively large number of independently wealthy business owners are terrible at running their business.)
The primary sources of funding for start ups comes from home equity and personal assets, personal credit cards, and personal savings. But, there ARE other ways to get the money you need for your business. It just requires patience, perseverance, and time. And planning. Never forget the planning. (The majority of funders will want to see your business plan.)
Loans
Banks don't try to tell you how to run your business, they don't take any of the profit, they don't own any part of the business, and they are easier to access than investors.
But banks, primarily fund wealthier white men. Minorities - women and people of color - are half as likely to start a business with the support of a bank loan.
They also make it extremely difficult to get a loan, especially if you have a credit score below 700, if you have low cash flow, if you lack collateral, or if it's your first business or a business that is just starting up. It's quite shocking that banks are so narrow-minded about this, considering the impact small businesses have on the economy.


If you have good credit, some collateral, and a business plan, it may be a good option for you. Just make sure to learn all the terminology and read the small print before signing.
FYI: Credit Unions tend to approve more loan requests than big banks. And, there are many nonprofits that provide loans.
Business Line of Credit / Inventory Financing
A business line of credit is like a business loan crossed with a credit card. It is more flexible than a business loan and you only pay interest on what you use. And as long as you don't go over your limit, you can pay it back on your own schedule. To get a business line of credit you need to show you've put personal investments into your business, you aren't losing money, and you have industry experience. You also need a good credit score and a business plan.
If you have a lot of your cash tied up in your inventory, you may be able to get Inventory Financing, which is a line of credit secured by your inventory.
Micro-Finance
These are financial services targeting entrepreneurs, individuals, and small businesses who lack access who lack access to traditional banking and related services, such as microcredit, loans to economically disadvantaged people, savings and checking accounts, insurance, payment systems, and more.
Microfinance services are designed to help people from poor population segments, the marginalized, and those who are geographically isolated become financially self-sufficient.
Peer to Peer Lending
It sucks that Peer to Peer lending is not included on most lists about small business funding options. It's like a mutual aid system of financial support where you get a loan from another individual or group. P2P is an approachable form of connecting businesses with investors. Peer to Peer lending was born from growing technology, mass collaboration, and social trends.
Like banks, you have a better chance at getting financial support if you have good credit. A big difference, though, is P2P platforms will allow you to use your story to convince funders to ignore some dodgy credit history and invest in your business. This is great since credit scores don't actually reflect how good a person is with money management and ignore thigs like debt from abusive relationships or medical bills.
If you want to learn more, Investopedia has a lot of useful information about P2P lending. And the SBA issued a brief about P2P being a viable alternative for funding.
Roll Over Business Start Ups (ROBS)
There are three ways you can use your 401(k) to fund your new business:
cash out funds
borrow against them
use a rollover for business startups.
The only option that does not result in interest charges, taxes, or penalties is a rollover for business startup. ROBS allows you to start a business or purchase a business with your retirement savings without paying early withdrawal fees or tax penalties. These transactions are not easy, so you should find a ROBS provider with experience. A few are listed below.
Investors
Have friends or family with access to capital? If you are completely confident you and they are able to mix personal with business, pitch the idea to them for a loan. Just make sure your pitch includes a set timeline for payments and interest. And, if you've been in business a while, you may be able to look to customers or suppliers for a loan or investment.
Angel Investors will pony up money for stake in the company. It's not just Shark Tank or the random wealthy person you meet. Unlike venture capitalists, who invest huge money in businesses that are likely to give them an almost immediate return, Angel Investors recognize that profitability takes time for most of us.
If Angel investments looks like an path you want to take, be prepared for a long process and check out this Forbes article with 20 tips. If you do find an investor, here's a free template for a promissory note that will lay out the terms of the loan.
Grants
There are a lot of grant opportunities for women, minorities, and veterans. Probably because the banking industry makes it difficult for these groups to get a loan. And there are lots of government grants, usually through the economic development offices of small/local government agencies.
So, now that you have an idea of what options there are, I'm sure you want to know where to find these sources. This list of resources includes funders specific to northern New Mexico as well as national sources. Before you even start looking, though, you need a solid business plan and budgets. I can help you with that, so send me a message.
The lists include some funding opportunities that are restricted to minority business owners, women business owners, Native American business owners, and artists/musicians. The grants that are COVID-19/pandemic relief grants are grouped together and come after the general Grants section.

Free or inexpensive resources, trainings, mentors, and consultants that support small businesses in New Mexico.
DEER HEART CONSULTING
link
That's me. I provide hands-on, one-on-one support to small business owners, helping strengthen their business fundamentals from vision to strategy to systems to marketing. I have experience in grant writing and government contracts, if that is a route you think your business will take.

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Provides one-on-one support, technical support, connection to resources, and guidance navigating other Albuquerque agencies.
CITY OF SANTA FE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
link
Promotes local business development and expansion.
COFFEE & CREATIVES
A Facebook and meet-up group for creative small businesses
Many thanks to Joe Cordillo, one of the group admins, for providing many useful resources for this list. He works over at Ureeka.biz. He is compiling a list of grants, loans, investment opportunities and pitch competitions using Airtable.
FINANCE NEW MEXICO
link
Shares a regularly updated list of COVID-19 financial support opportunities
FIRST NATIONS OWEESTA CORPORATION
Provides the training and technical assistance needed to get Native Community Development Financial Institution (NCDFI) up and running.
FREELANCERS UNION
link
Provides a list of resources
MINORITY DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS AGENCY - NEW MEXICO MDBA BUSINESS CENTER
The local office of the the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency, which is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises. The staff can help you figure out funding if your are looking to grow in size, scale and/or capacity.
NERD WALLET
Has a Small Business Loan Calculator where you can get an idea of how much your payments would be for a given loan amount or how large of a loan you can afford to pay each month. This same page also lists pros and cons for various SBA lenders.
NEW MEXICO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Staff will walk you through different funding opportunities. They also have an extensive Business Resource Directory that covers the entire state of New Mexico. Funding opportunities are listed below.
NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK
A network of experienced business people who introduce entrepreneurs to global trade resources. The site also has lots of resources and templates for small business owners to use.
Their resource page on Access to Capital has helpful worksheets and templates, including Loan Proposal Checklist, Balance Sheet Glossary of Terms, Helpful Financial Ratios, and a Startup Budget Template
International Business Accelerator (IBA) in Santa Teresa, NM
Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) introduces established businesses to contracting with government agencies
NORTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (NCNMEDD)
The regional Council of Governments for Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Taos, Colfax, Mora, San Miguel, Los Alamos, and Sandoval counties. They administer grants from the US Economic Development Administration. Funding opportunities are listed below.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A nonprofit that provides technical assistance to facilitate job growth in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos, and the municipalities and Native American Pueblos therein. Funding opportunities are listed below.
SANTA FE COUNTY BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
Part of the Growth Management Department. They will connect businesses with resources, funding opportunities, networking, marketing and more.
SCORE
Provides free and confidential mentoring to small business entrepreneurs through on-going relationships with highly experienced and knowledgable volunteer mentors. I can attest to the fact that they are awesome.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
A federal agency fully dedicated to supporting small businesses. They have a plethora of resources and guides, such as the Small Business Resource Guide - New Mexico Edition 2020. Funding opportunities are listed below.
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO BUREAU OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH (BBER)
Provides research and information services for businesses and economic development organizations. BBER maintains a socioeconomic data bank and serves as a repository for U.S. Census Bureau data.
UREEKA.BIZ
A single platform where entrepreneurs have access to the people, programs and connections they need to grow.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS (VA) SMALL AND VETERAN BUSINESS UTILIZATION
Provides aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small and Veteran business concerns
VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER
Provides entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

Besides banks and credit unions, you can try to get a loan from these organizations
CAPITAL CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Funds small businesses in Texas and New Mexico
ENCHANTMENT LAND CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (ELCDC)
A leading private, non-profit organization financing business loans throughout New Mexico (and El Paso, Texas.)
NEW MEXICO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Rural Efficient Business Program provides funding for rural and agriculture businesses to reduce energy consumption, increase profits, and explore ways to implement renewable energy systems.
NM Collateral Assistance Program provides cash to cover collateral shortfalls
Through their Business Finance Finder a small business or entrepreneur submits their finance needs and a project description, which is then emailed to a list of funders.
NEW MEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY
Created by the New Mexico Legislature in 1992 to finance infrastructure projects. They have a mission-driven philosophy, low interest rates, and no loan fees. Grant link below.
Business Loan Participation Program funding for rural and underserved areas
New Markets Tax Credit is for building, equipment, and working capital
Essential Services Working Capital is for supplies, utilities, rent, operating expenses
Smart Money Loan program
NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NMSBA) by LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY & SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES
A joint project between the two labs which provides small businesses access to scientists and engineers to help solve technical problems. They have given nearly $60 million in grants through this project.
NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT CORPORATION
Dedicated $25 million to support small businesses during the pandemic. These are the companies administering those funds.
Loan Fund is a nonprofit organization that offers business loans and lines of credit up to $500,000 throughout New Mexico.
DreamSpring a is a nonprofit registered New Mexico small business loan company that increases access to business credit, offers loans, and provides training throughout New Mexico.
Lift Fund is a nonprofit agency that provides small business loans to those who do not have access to capital from typical lenders. They also provide business and financial training for entrepreneurs.
Homewise is a nonprofit organization that provides business real estate loans up to $375,000 in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
NORTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
NCNMEDD Revolving Loan Fund provides $15,000 - $100,000 that must be leveraged, so are best for projects that will cost between $100,000 and $1 million.
NCNMEDD Working Now Revolving Loan Fund helps small businesses affected by the pandemic with expenses like payroll, rent, inventory, marketing, ecommerce development, personal protective equipment and small capital improvements. They'll provide technical assistance throughout the life of the loan.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A nonprofit that provides private investment opportunities and technical assistance to facilitate job growth in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos, and the municipalities and Native American Pueblos therein. Grants listed below
RDC Team / Manufacturing Fund is a no-interest loan up to $20,000 for technology and manufacturing businesses
RDC Tribal Economic Diversity Fund gives grants from $1,000 to $8,000 to businesses owned by federally recognized tribes or businesses that have 51% or more ownership by an enrollee. Small window for applications begins in July.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Small Business Administration (SBA) - loans are through select banks and come with a guarantee from the SBA which helps lowering a bank's risk.
SBA 504 Loan Fund - fixed rate loans for assets for expansion or to modernize
SBA - SBIC - a privately owned company, licensed and regulated by the SBA, that invests in small businesses in the form of debt and equity.
SBA - Surety Bonds - helping you secure contracts by guaranteeing the work will be completed
SBA - Grants - grants for businesses involved in research or exports
SBA - Lender Match — 7(a) Small Business Loan - connects you with lenders
SBA - COVID Relief - Paycheck Protection Program - SECOND ROUND - Eligible underserved small businesses that didn't get a PPP loan before the program closed last August can now apply for relief through community financial institutions. Funds can be used for payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19 and more. If this is your first application, you can submit until March 31, 2021.
SUN MOUNTAIN CAPITOL
New Mexico Recovery Fund is a direct lending facility designed to help New Mexico based businesses make it through the current crisis. The money comes from the State Private Equity Investment Program and can offer differential interest rates (i.e. low) in order to support economic development. This program is for businesses with 40 or more employees.
US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - RURAL DEVELOPMENT - NEW MEXICO
Grant listed below
Intermediary Relending Program provides 1& low-interest loans to local lenders or “intermediaries” that re-lend to businesses to improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities. Contact them
WOMEN'S ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY TEAM (WESST)
WESST also provides resources, but since my attempts to talk with someone fell flat, I'll just list them as a funding opportunity.


DREAMSPRING
(formerly called Accion) A micro-lender headquartered in Albuquerque serving Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Their core values are passion, pioneering spirit, integrity, excellence, and accountability.
CDC SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE
A nonprofit that helps people get loans when others deny them
GRAMEEN AMERICA
Supports entrepreneurial women who live in poverty build business to enable financial mobility
KIVA
A crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world.
LIFT FUND
A nonprofit agency that provides small business loans to those who do not have access to capital from typical lenders. They also provide business and financial training for entrepreneurs.
OPPORTUNITY FUND
Provides micro-loans to businesses predominantly for those owned by low- and moderate-income immigrants, people of color, and women.

This list of grants is by no means complete, but I hope to add to it regularly.
COVID-19 /. pandemic relief grants are listed in the next section.
AMBER GRANT
Has small business grants for women. And, they will help you find loans and other grant opportunities.
CARTIER WOMEN'S INITIATIVE
For women entrepreneurs
CITY OF SANTA FE ARTS & CULTURE DEPARTMENT
Micro grants for artists
COMCAST RISE
A multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services to Black, Indigenous and People of Color that own a small business.
FEDEX SMALL BUSINESS GRANT
GRANTSFORWOMEN.ORG
IDEA CAFE Small Biz Grant Center
NATIVE AMERICAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (NABDI)
Funds feasibility studies
NAV.COM
A small business grant
NEW MEXICO GRANT WATCH
Provides info and links to for-profit and non-profit grants
OPERATION HOPE
A nonprofit that provides training, support, and funding for entrepreneurs in low-wealth communities through their Small Business Development Program
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
RDC Micro Grants is a competitive grant that gives businesses up to $2,500 to help sustain or grow without them having to provide collateral
RDC Tribal Economic Diversity Fund gives grants from $1,000 to $8,000 to businesses owned by federally recognized tribes or businesses that have 51% or more ownership by an enrollee. Small window for applications begins in July.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Boots 2 Business participants get support for 5 years
US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - RURAL DEVELOPMENT - NEW MEXICO
Business & Industry CARES Act - pandemic support
10. US Department of Agriculture - Farm Service Agency
US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Shares grant opportunities for minority owned businesses looking to grow in size, scale and capacity.

Some of the grant opportunities are not restricted to New Mexico businesses.
THE ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION & UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL NEW MEXICO
They teamed up to offer a COVID-19 Emergency Action Fund.
ALL TOGETHER NEW MEXICO FUND
Has funds to fill the gap left by government support.
AMAZON
Relief Fund
CERF+ THE ARTIST'S SAFETY NET
Emergency Assistance funds for artists
CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
Small Business Economic Development Grant is a one-time grant of $10,000 to help with pandemic recovery.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO
Set up a Together Las Cruces Fund in response to COVID-19.
GRANT STATION
Has list of grant opportunities relating to the pandemic
LOS ALAMOS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Set up Nonprofit Emergency Response Funds, as a hub for accepting donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses and distributing 100% of those funds rapidly to nonprofits, with priority to those on the front lines of COVID-19 response.
LOWES
COVID-19 relief for rural small businesses
NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS (NCAI)
Two COVID relief grants, due to funding from Google.
NAVAJO CARES ACT, BUSINESS & ARTISAN RELIEF GRANT
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
Link to CARES Act Grant Program
NB3 FOUNDATION
Created the a COVID-19 Response Fund. This donor driven fund will support two primary areas within Native American communities: Access to nutritional food and clean water and Access to education opportunities and youth development. Over the next several weeks, this COVID-19 Response Fund will directly support families and children living within the Navajo Nation, New Mexico and tribes in South Dakota.
NEW MEXICO ASSOCIATION OF GRANTMAKERS
Has a list of COVID-19 response grants primarily available to nonprofits and artists but also communities and businesses.
NEW MEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY
Managed the Small Business Recovery Fund, a COVID-19 response program.
NEW MEXICO EARLY CHILDHOOD FUNDERS GROIUP
Providing COVID-19 Emergency Response grants to support critical gaps in services that affect infants, toddlers, and their families during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
OPERATION HOPE
Has a Mini Grant in response to COVID-19
PNM
for Small Business Customers
POEH CENTER
Resources for Native Artists
SANTA FE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
TAOS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
THORNBURG FOUNDATION
Has $240,000 in grants to support nonprofit organizations serving the homeless, the hungry, children, and families in Santa Fe and Albuquerque who are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
VERIZON SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND
A pandemic response grant for women, people of color, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs
ZAPIER
Small Business COVID Assistance for their small business customers

GUIDANT FINANCIAL
Highly experienced and is said to have excellent customer service, and offers free audit support
BUSINESS FUNDING TRUST
Specializes in sole proprietors
FRANFUND
Helps you purchase or start a franchise
BENETRENDS
Has been around a long time so knows what they're doing.
MY SOLO401K
Has the lowest set up fees

These Peer to Peer groups are not restricted to New Mexico small businesses.
CREDIBLE
FUNDING CIRCLE
LENDING CLUB
LENDING TREE
LENDIO
LOANS UNDER 36
MONEVO
PEERFORM
PROPSER
UPSTART

Some of these Angel Investor groups are located in New Mexico and others fund specific demographic groups of business owners.
37 ANGELS
Funding women-owned businesses
ANGEL CAPITAL ASSOCIATION
A trade association of investment groups
ANGEL INVESTMENT NETWORK
Connects entrepreneurs with investors
ARCVIEW
Funds cannabis startups
FEMALE FOUNDERS FUND
Funds women-owned businesses
FUNDZ
A database of start-ups, has a regularly updated extensive list of investors.
GOLDEN SEEDS
Invests in women entrepreneurs
LIFE SCIENCE ANGELS
Invests in health-industry businesses
NEW MEXICO ANGELS
The only New Mexico accredited group of investors focused on investing in early-stage companies in the southwest.
PIPELINE ANGELS
Invests in women and non-binary femme social entrepreneurs.
THE PINK CEILING
Has is an incubator that lets women-owned start ups submit a pitch. If you're selected, she shared with a network of investors.
WOMEN'S CAPITAL CONNECTION
Funds women-owned businesses
WOMEN FOUNDERS NETWORK
Connects women-founded businesses with women venture capitalists.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - FIND INVESTOR
SBA has a page where you can look up SBICs by name, industry, and state.
ABQid
Long-term support for New Mexico entrepreneurs
ARCH VENTURE
Invest in businesses that are working to prevent, detect, and cure disease
ARROWHEAD INNOVATION FUND
Invests seed/early-stage in promising technologies developed in or licensed by New Mexico Start-Ups
ASPEN VISTA CAPITAL
Early stage tech/software
BLUESTONE VENTURE CAPITAL
Invests in new Life Sciences businesses
CAMINO REAL CAPITAL PARTNERS
Innovators and emerging technologies
COTTONWOOD TECHNOLOGY FUND
Focuses on hard-science, pre-seed and early stage funding
EPIC VENTURES
Early-stage tech investors
FLYWHEEL VENTURES
Invests in seed-stage and early-stage companies with solutions that address key global challenges in digital services, infrastructure technology, energy technology, and water technology.
INTERNATIONAL VENTURE FUND
Provides seed and early stage equity provider with an investment focus on high growth rate business opportunities that have a global appeal and are based in its primary target markets ofArizona, Hawaii, New Mexico and Utah.
NEW MEXICO COMMUNITY CAPITAL
Provides culturally appropriate tools for success to emerging Native American-owned businesses, Native families, and tribal enterprises.
NEW MEXICO START UP FACTORY
Invests in laboratories technology
NEW STATE INVESTMENT COUNCIL - DIRECT EQUITY INVESTMENTS
The NM-SIC may make equity and /or debt investments directly in New Mexico businesses. It's managed by Sun Capital. Email them for info.
NMA VENTURES
Invests in technology (but not biotech or pharmaceuticals)
PHOENIX VENTURE PARTNERS
Invests in Advanced Materials and Device innovations
SIGNAL PEAK VENTURES
Invests in early-stage technology companies across the US
TRAMWAY VENTURE PARTNERS
Seed and early stage in Tech and Life Sciences companies specializing in MedTech, HealthTech, Biotech. Notable investment is Armonica Technologies.
VERGE FUND


The small business funding information in this post is only useful if the people that need it see it. So, please share among your networks.
And, please credit Deer Heart Consulting if you share information from this post. I recommend sharing the URL because I regularly update it as I find new opportunities or if anything else changes. If you know of a funding opportunity that's not listed, please post in the comments or send me a message.
