WESST Client Marisol Bristol, Bhava Yoga
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 2018-2022
Client Stories
"I rave about WESST, I am very proud to be a part of such an amazing organization. I always try to recommend their services to other business owners I know. They provide so many valuable resources and their office is a safe place without judgement to understand how to run your small business. The communication with Dave and Sara is nice and genuine. I don’t think I would have been as successful as I have been this year without all the help that I received from WESST. I feel like I can reach out to Sara or Dave at any time, and they respond almost immediately to assist me."
Sara Martinez
Monet’s Skin Studio
Rio Rancho Region
"I’ve been able to grow a successful business while being a new mom. WESST has helped me learn and develop with the resources they’ve shared and the advice they’ve provided. I am grateful that they’ve also recommended my services to others."
Brenda Ramos Almeida
Libélula Financial
Santa Fe Region
"Reflecting on the services and workshops I received from WESST starting 11 years ago, I feel truly uplifted and supported. They helped me lay the groundwork for my dream, instilled belief in my vision and WESST has been by my side through each season of growth and transformation. I still have strong relationships and connections with fellow entrepreneurs and service providers that I met through WESST. I tell every budding entrepreneur to start at WESST. I am impressed that they continue to expand their offerings based on the needs of their clients and how businesses are expected to operate in this day and age."
Tess Coats
Luna and Luz
Albuquerque Region
"WESST has been able to help me to think about my business in varied ways. New ways to organize products and services to increase profit streams. To restructure and repackage my brand with a new and refreshed perspective. Also, the accountability given through consulting makes me do my homework!"
Kesha Janaan Jaramillo
Kesha’s Space LLC & Brown Sugar
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