WESST Client Jennifer Spoelma, Career Foresight
Learn more about our Women's Business Centers
Minding Your Business is a podcast and radio show about the steps taken and stories told in building New Mexico’s businesses. Hosts Margarita Guarin and Neema Pickett from WESST and Mark Gilboard, former WESST consultant, interview the owners of our state’s diverse businesses so that listeners can be inspired, discover new things, and envision business through a new lens. Be inspired and learn what it takes to start and grow your own business.
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WESST Small Business Loans Include a Bonus: Support to Help You Succeed
One of the obstacles most commonly reported by entrepreneurs — particularly first-time business owners — is the difficulty obtaining capital to start or expand a business. WESST helps to fill this gap by providing small business loans for women and other entrepreneurs who encounter this difficulty. As a microlender, we specialize in financing viable businesses that don’t meet the criteria of banks or other traditional lenders.
Our Impact 2017-2021
Client Stories
"Holly and Mr. Austin were so helpful in a time that felt like the end of the road. I am very grateful for all the support and guidance provided to me to resolve this concern with a manageable result. When my store and gas station closed, many locals were out of transportation and food. I want to continue to provide for my community; however, this was a barrier to continuing to operate my business. Thank you to Mr. Austin and Holly from WESST for providing this service for me through their CARES Funding."
Germaine Simonson
Rocky Ridge Gas + Market
Farmington Region
"I am a new start-up business and reached out for help elsewhere. WESST was nice and helpful and had my best interest in mind rather than the organization. WESST quickly listened to my request for assistance and planned on how they could help. So far, it’s been a great experience, and I will recommend other small business owners to WESST and their resources."
Kurt Pablo
P/7 Construction
Farmington Region
"WESST has been an incredible asset to the continued growth of my business. There were so many pieces of being a small business owner that I didn't see or understand, and WESST has really helped me to feel confident in areas of business management that I wasn't before. My business consultant, Neema Pickett is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, and her guidance has been instrumental for me in keeping myself on track, focused and always growing. Her assistance has taken my business to the next level."
Kate Viers
Feral Lore Perfumes
Albuquerque Region
"Whenever I have questions about running my business, I always know that I will be able to consult with WESST."
Elizabeth Buckley
Heritage Tapestries
Albuquerque Region
Our Donors
affordable solar
ABQ Community Foundation
Albuquerque Journal
Bank of America
Bank of the West
Capital CDC
CABQ
Clear Channel Outdoor
Comcast
CDFI
El Paso Electric
Sunflower Bank First National
Garcia Automotive Group
Hearst Foundation
Irby
Maddox Foundation
Kauffman
WK Kellogg Foundation
NM Community Foundation
NM Gas Co
NMOGA
PNM
Presbyterian
Small Business Administration
Sandia National Labs
Simon Foundation
Southwest Capital Bank
Summit Electric
United Way
US HHS
Wells Fargo