OUR IMPACT
The Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team dba WESST is a statewide 501(c)(3) small business assistance organization committed to supporting individuals in New Mexico who want to start a business or improve the performance of an existing one. Founded by three women in 1989, WESST proudly serves all New Mexicans who want to start and grow a small business.
WESST’s core services include business consulting, training, incubation, and access to capital. We employ a “no barriers to entry” approach which means there are no prerequisites that clients have to present, nor do they have to “qualify” or be “selected” for assistance. We are committed to helping transform our clients’ lives by creating a pathway to business success. WESST’s role is to educate, encourage, and inspire our clients to achieve their business goals.
To make our services as accessible as possible, WESST offers training and consulting in both English and Spanish. Physical accessibility is provided through our four offices in Albuquerque, Farmington, Hobbs, and Las Cruces. Each office hosts a Women’s Business Center, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. WESST is also an SBA Microlender and a CDFI.
OUR MISSION & VISION
MISSION
We are home to entrepreneurs providing a support system of consulting, training, incubation, and lending to help New Mexicans strengthen and grow their small businesses through sustainable business models, financial empowerment, and job creation.
VISION
We believe passionately in the power of sustainable entrepreneurship to change the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Access and opportunity to do so is a basic human right.
OUR VALUES
OPPORTUNITY
We serve all New Mexicans who aspire to start and grow a business, ensuring access to resources regardless of background or circumstance. We equip entrepreneurs with tools to develop financial literacy, access capital, and build sustainable businesses.
COMMUNITY
We are dedicated to strengthening New Mexico’s small business ecosystem and fostering economic growth. We are deeply connected to the people and businesses of New Mexico, working to create lasting economic opportunities.
COLLABORATION
We work with organizations, lenders, and business leaders to create a strong support system for entrepreneurs. We believe that thriving small businesses create stronger communities, and we work to build networks of support across the state.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We are committed to doing what we say we will do so that our various stakeholders are confident that WESST is a trustworthy organization making economic impact in New Mexico. We strive for quality, excellence, and integrity in our communications, standards, processes, leadership, planning, programming, and execution.
INNOVATION
We value above all our ability to serve our clients by constantly adapting program services so that client needs are effectively met in a constantly changing marketplace. We embrace change and continuously improve our programs to meet the evolving needs of small businesses.