The Ultimate Guide to Funding Your New Mexico Small Businesses

Finding the Funds for you small business social share graphic

most recent update 5/27/2023

 

 

Links to Funding Opportunities, by Funding Type

 

 

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, or 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. It became an even more pressing issue in 2020, and so one of my first posts with resources for small businesses in New Mexico was all about the money.

Note: I'm not promoting any particular service or institution. This is an informational post so you are better equipped to make the best choice for you. Also - none of this is free money. It all requires a lot of time, thought, and effort.

 

 

We made it through the pandemic. Now it's time to think about how to recover and get to a place of thriving (not just surviving.)

First and foremost, know where you are at, financially. 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 businesses.)

Secondly, you should consider all the options for how to how to improve your business' financials. Look at where you can reasonably cut costs without negatively impacting business. Do some systems improvements and get more efficient. Develop some creative strategies for building your network and growing your customer base. And, look at all of the funding options shared below. Don't dismiss a funding option before you look into it just because it didn't work before or because of what you think you know about it. Do some research, get current info, and THEN make a decision.

The primary sources of funding for start-ups come 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.)

PROMO GRAPHIC

 

 

There are definitely pros to funding your small business with a bank loan. 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 there are cons to bank loans, too. Like the fact that 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. This March 2022 article by CNBC points out that "The pandemic highlighted inequities in lending, with minority-owned businesses getting funding from programs like the PPP at lower rates than white counterparts."

Banks can 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.

 

 

Small business statistic

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If you have good credit, some collateral, and a business plan, a bank loan may be a good option for you. Just make sure to learn all the terminology and read the small print before signing. And have a clear plan in place for how you'll pay it back.

SIDE NOTE:

Credit Unions tend to approve more loan requests than big banks. And, there are many nonprofits that provide loans. Bankrate (a financial resource that offers comparison tools, calculators, and other educational tools) shared this great post on assorted funding opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs, including a list of Latino-focused Credit Unions that do not require a Social Security number to get a loan.

 

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 that 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.

 

 

These are financial services targeting entrepreneurs, individuals, and small businesses 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.

Micro-finance services are designed to boost the financial self-sufficiency of people from poor population segments, people from marginalized communities, and people who are geographically isolated.

 

 

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, 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.

The SBA issued a brief about P2P being a viable alternative for funding. If you want to learn more, this article at Investopedia has a lot of useful information about P2P lending.

 

There are three different ways you can fund your small business using your 401(k) retirement funds.

  • You can cash out these funds.
  • You can borrow against your 401(k).
  • You can use a rollover for business startups.

What is rollover for business startups, you ask? Of the three 401(k) funding options, ROBS are the only option that does not result in interest charges, taxes, or penalties. ROBS allows you to start a business or purchase a business with your retirement savings without paying early withdrawal fees or tax penalties. But, be forewarned: ROBS transactions are not quick or easy. It requires complicated and extensive paperwork. You can't do it on your own. Make sure to speak with a ROBS provider who has experience. A few are listed below.

 

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 a 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 look like a 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.

 

 

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. But do not approach this like it's free money. Grant applications and reporting on grant funding takes a lot of time and effort and meticulous record-keeping.

 

 

 

If you are currently a student looking to start your own business, there are tons of scholarships out there to support your entrepreneurship and future small business.

So, now that you have an idea of what options there are, I'm sure you want to know where to find them. Below is a list of resources that includes funders specific to northern New Mexico as well as national organizations. Before you even start looking, though, you need a solid business plan and a clean budget. I've helped many businesses create business plans from the ground up which resulted in their securing new funding. I can help you with that, too. Send me a message and we can schedule a free chat.

The lists below include some funding opportunities that are restricted to minority business owners, women business owners, Native American business owners, and artists/musicians.

 

 

Free or inexpensive resources, trainings, mentors, and consultants that support small businesses in New Mexico.

DEER HEART CONSULTING

websiteAlexis Brown emoji

That's me. I help small businesses with their business plan, including developing a creative strategy, mapping out realistic plans of action, updating systems to improve efficiency, and creating a compelling marketing plan. 

 

 
ASCENT - SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
Free learning platform for women entrepreneurs
 
BANKRATE
Provides educational tools, rate comparison tools, financial tools, and more.
 
BUREAU OF BUSINESS & ECONOMIC RESEARCH - UNM

link

Provides socioeconomic data and forecasting in New Mexico - useful for your business planning.

 

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
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.
Graphic for link
 
FINIMPACT
Uses an algorithm to evaluate your form submission to match you with relevant screened funders.
 
FIRST NATIONS OWEESTA CORPORATION
Provides the training and technical assistance needed to get Native Community Development Financial Institution (NCDFI) up and running
 
FREELANCERS UNION
Provides a list of resources
 
MINORITY DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS AGENCY - NEW MEXICO MDBA BUSINESS CENTER
The local office of 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 you 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 the pros and cons of various SBA lenders.
 
 
NEW MEXICO ASSOCIATION OF CPAS

link

Find a CPA/Accountant

 

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 MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

link

Resources for manufacturers, including a list of NM Made businesses.

 

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.
 
PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (PTAC)
A government-funded program providing assistance to small businesses who want to sell their goods or services to the government, educational institutions, or tribal entities.
 
QUALITY NEW MEXICO

link

Resources, trainings, coaching and more

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 ongoing relationships with highly experienced and knowledgeable volunteer mentors. I will attest to how awesome they are.

 
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.
 
SOUTHWEST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
an Albuquerque, New Mexico based American Indian firm established in 1999 with a vision of providing comprehensive business, community and economic development services to American Indian & Minority-owned businesses, tribal enterprises, tribal organizations, local, state, and federal government agencies and private sector firms.
 
TAOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
 
TAOS ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK
Promotes healthy, organic rural Economic Development opportunities through business and entrepreneurial support
 
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.
 
 
 
Loans don't just come from banks and credit unions. Here are a few other organizations that New Mexico small business owners can approach for a loan.
SBA Lenders
 
CAPITAL CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Funds small businesses in Texas and New Mexico
 
COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FUND
Founded in 1988, Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national non-profit organization with a mission to empower people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities through innovative financial solutions. As a leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CRF supports mission-driven organizations through the development of products and services aimed at increasing the flow of capital to historically underinvested communities across the country.
 
CREDITCARDS.COM
That link is to a guide that assists veterans through the entire process of starting their own small business, including several financing options that are available for building business credit and business development programs for women and service-disabled veterans.
 
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.
 
NEW MEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY
  • Small Business Recovery Loan Fund - Open until December 31, 2022. The New Mexico Legislature recently expanded the Small Business Recovery Loan Fund to better help businesses experiencing financial hardship caused by the pandemic. More businesses are now eligible to apply for a loan, the loans have more favorable and flexible terms, and businesses that received a Small Business Recovery Loan in 2020 can refinance for a longer term or a bigger loan.
  • Opportunity Enterprise Fund - Currently being developed. This fund will provide financing for projects that advance the economic development goals of the program. These economic goals will be determined by the Opportunity Enterprise Board in collaboration with EDD and may include job creation, provision of needed services and goods to diverse communities across the state, and others.
  • Smart Money Business Loan Participation Program - provides greater access to capital for businesses throughout rural and underserved areas of New Mexico by allowing NMFA to purchase up to 49% of loans originated, underwritten and serviced by local banks at low, fixed interest rates. Funding is for working capital, equipment, and building projects.
  • New Markets Tax Credit Program - a federal program designed to provide businesses in rural or low-income communities with greater access to capital in order to increase job creation and development activities.
  • Cannabis Microbusiness Program - provides affordable loans to licensed cannabis microbusinesses in New Mexico.

NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NMSBA) by LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY & SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES
A joint project between the two labs 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, e-commerce 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
  • Micro-Grant Fund is $500 - $3000 grants to help businesses grow and create jobs
  • 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
Loans are through select banks and come with a guarantee from the SBA which helps lower a bank's risk. They also have funding for Disaster Relief and a network of investors.
 
US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - RURAL DEVELOPMENT - NEW MEXICO
Grant listed below

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.
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Here are some organizations that do micro-financing. There are many more out there, and I encourage you to research to find them.
 
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 to build businesses to enable financial mobility
 
JUSTINE PETERSON
Serves existing and start-up businesses and offers safe and affordable capital with the goal of graduating businesses or individuals back to mainstream finance. Justine PETERSEN offers loans from $500-$150,000.
 
KIVA
Offers entrepreneurs in the U.S. 0% interest loans up to $15,000. Entrepreneurs must crowdfund their loans from the philanthropic individuals who lend on Kiva’s platform. Kiva has over one million donors and boasts a 94% success rate. To qualify, you will need to invite friends and other contacts for initial funding. Kiva reports payment history to Experian Business.
 
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 will continue to add to the list.
 
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
Microgrants 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 small businesses.
 
FEDEX SMALL BUSINESS GRANT
 
FIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

link

Grant opportunities for Native American projects and organizations

 

GRANTSFORWOMEN.ORG
link graphic
Click image tio go to the Halsted Grant
 
IDEA CAFE Small Biz Grant Center

NATIVE AMERICAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (NABDI)
Funds feasibility studies

NAV.COM
A small business grant
 
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS

link

Funds nonprofits and governmental organizations for arts activities in the following discipline areas: performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, media arts, multidisciplinary arts (involving more than one artistic discipline), and interdisciplinary arts (relating two or more artistic disciplines).

 

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 the Small Business Development Program
 
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
  • RDC Microgrants 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
 
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.


U.S. GRANTS - NEW MEXICO
They post assorted government grant announcements

 
 
Finimpact contacted me with this page they compiled with links and application tips to 21 entrepreneur scholarships, such as:

THIEL FELLOWSHIP
For entrepreneurs under the age of 23

BUSINESS LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Based on essay submission, for college freshmen, sophomores & juniors ages 17-24

FORMSWIFT STARTUP SCHOLARSHIP
Based on submission of an infographic about one of 5 topics (startup, restaurant, nonprofit, transportation, clothing), for those about to graduate high school or currently enrolled in college.
 

Unigo has a list of en trepreneur scholarships available here.:

LEONARD FAMILY ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT SCHOLARSHIP
Need-based college scholarships and educational experiences to cancer survivors studying business and striving to own a restaurant.

 And, this link has another batch of scholarships for entrepreneurs.
 
 
 
 
 Here are a few businesses that specialize in Roll Over Business Startups.

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 setup fees

  
These Peer to Peer groups are not restricted to New Mexico small businesses.

CREDIBLE

link

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

AMERICA'S SEED FUND by NSF
Funds start-ups and small businesses with high-risk, high-impact technologies

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

GUST ANGEL NETWORK
Largest startup network, with 800,000 founders and 85,000 funders; they provide tools to help get you ready to seek funding
 
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 NM 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 of Arizona, 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

WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF VENTURE CAPITALISTS
Publishes an annual directory; includes most of the California venture capitalists based in Menlo Park, CA, which is the headquarters of an amazing percentage of the nation’s venture capital companiefs.
 
 
 
 
Alexis Brown emoji
 
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.
 
 
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