The Questa Business Bridge (QBB) at the Questa Public Library is working to make a significant impact on the local business community to foster business growth and resilience, offering targeted resources and support to entrepreneurs in Questa and surrounding areas. Through a series of creative workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events, QBB has worked to bolster the economic foundation of Questa.
Ayla Parker, a dedicated business coach and entrepreneur, has been instrumental in this initiative. She holds an undergrad degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in textile science and a master’s in creative business leadership from Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. With a passion for supporting small businesses, she has consistently offered one or two workshops at the Questa Business Bridge each month since May, tailored to the needs of local entrepreneurs.
Recent offerings included the Business Model Canvas, which helped participants map out their business structures for sustainable growth, along with sessions on Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing Strategies, teaching entrepreneurs how to engage customers online. For those ready to build a stronger online presence, the Create Your Website workshop guided participants through designing an effective site.
Ayla also provides free one-on-one business coaching sessions at the HIVE in Taos, where she offers personalized support to help entrepreneurs refine their strategies and grow their businesses. Her approach resonates deeply with small business owners, as she understands their struggles firsthand—balancing a regular full-time job while working to transform her own “side hustle” into her main career. “Being a business coach in a rural area means understanding that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about relationships, resilience, and community,” Parker shared. Her creative guidance and tailored advice have empowered many local entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality.
Through the mentorship of Ayla and other dedicated facilitators, QBB is becoming a cornerstone for aspiring and established business owners alike. By fostering a community of support and learning, QBB is working to ensure long-term economic growth for Questa and the surrounding region. “In northern New Mexico, business thrives on personal connections, local values, and the specific hurdles that come with operating in remote areas. It’s where fresh ideas meet determination, and every step forward strengthens the foundation of Taos, Questa, and the surrounding areas,” shares Parker.
Looking ahead, QBB plans to offer more opportunities for learning and growth. Upcoming workshops to watch for include Funding Your Business, presented by WESST, which will provide crucial insights into financing options for new ventures. Ayla Parker will lead a session on AI for Small Businesses, helping entrepreneurs integrate cutting-edge tools into their operations. Additionally, Paula Romo from New Mexico Workforce Connection will offer an Interview Skills Workshop to help participants refine their job-seeking techniques.
For more information about upcoming workshops and opportunities, visit the QBB hub by scanning the QR code below or by emailing QBB-coordinator@questaedf.com.
