The Questa Economic Development Fund and the Questa Business Bridge are bringing together key organizations and local businesses on Thursday, March 27 at 9 a.m. at El Monte Carlo Grill for a complimentary breakfast sponsored by the LOR Foundation.
Why Attend?
The breakfast is free and open to business owners, start-ups, and any aspiring entrepreneurs interested in learning more about business support services. Attendees will:
- Network with other entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region
- Learn about funding and grant opportunities to support business growth
- Get personalized advice from industry professionals on business planning, financial services, and technical assistance
This is an exceptional opportunity for local entrepreneurs and business owners to network, share ideas, access support and technical assistance for their businesses, learn about funding opportunities, and meet representatives that offer industry-specific resources—all in one place.
Connect with Business Support Experts
Attendees will have the chance to hear from and meet experts who provide essential services and professional support to help businesses launch, grow, and thrive. Representatives from the following organizations will be there, available for questions and conversations:
- New Mexico Economic Development Departments – Learn about state-funded programs, tax incentives, paid training, grants to support small businesses, and the community.
- Community & Business
- Development Reps
- Outdoor Recreation Division
- Justice, Equity, Diversity & In clusion Office
- US Forest Service – How to streamline permitting for guides to access public lands
- UNM-HIVE Pollinator Incubator Series – 8-week business training series live-streamed to Questa
- Questa Business Bridge GPS Pathway Series (Goalsetting and Planning for Success) – For Questa-area businesses only: participate in HIVE’s 8-week series live-streamed to Questa, be guided to help grow your business or develop your business plan, then pitch your business idea or project needs to a panel of judges/funders and be eligible for up to a $5,000 payout from QEDF. Multiple grant amounts will be awarded!
- Questa Credit Union – New: small business commercial loans available locally
- Regional Development Corporation – Small business micro-grants up to $3,000
- Women’s Business Networking Group – It’s new, find out more!
- NM Workforce Connections Paid Pre-Apprenticeship Program
“We want to ensure that business owners and those starting new businesses in our community are aware of the incredible resources available and feel comfortable connecting to them and to each other,” said QEDF Director Lynn Skall.
More Resources Coming This Year
In addition to weekly training and services, the Questa Business Bridge is hosting two in-person workshops in July in Questa, “Funding Your Business: Support” and “Resources with WESST.” These events will focus on financial planning, accessing small business loans, and securing grants to help entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape.
Join us on March 27 and stay tuned for more opportunities to grow your business! For information on workshops and the breakfast, email Jessica Trujillo at QBB-Coordinator@Questaedf.com.
