ABQ Times

The New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA) has recently opened two new Business Centers in Las Cruces and Las Vegas. These centers aim to provide support and resources to minority-owned businesses in the state.

The Las Cruces Center received funding through a Congressional allocation of $200,000, with support from Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan. On the other hand, the Las Vegas Center began operations with a federal supplemental grant of $183,000, which required a funding match from the City of Albuquerque.

Center Director Gabriela Marques expressed the agency's commitment to helping businesses thrive in New Mexico, stating, "We are grateful for the support from our many partners as we continue to expand our services and help businesses succeed not just here in Albuquerque, but across our state."

Business Advisor Gloria Ortiz emphasized the responsibility to assist local business owners affected by recent wildfires, stating, "These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community, and we must provide them with the support and resources they need to rebuild and thrive."

The Business Centers will collaborate with existing organizations to enhance their efforts. Business Advisor Candle Baca highlighted the importance of bridging service disparities and expanding support to a broader range of business owners.

The services offered by NM MBDA Business Centers cater to companies of all sizes, with bilingual staff members available in both Las Vegas and Albuquerque. Additionally, training sessions and webinars held by the new Business Centers will be accessible to business owners in any community, including Albuquerque.

The Las Vegas NM MBDA Business Center is located at 366 Luna Drive, while the Las Cruces NM MBDA Business Center is situated at 277 E Amador Ave, Suite 275. For more information, visit nmmbda.com.