WESST BLOG
Announcing the WESST CAP-Ability Project
In 2023, the Minority Business Development Agency (U.S. Department of Commerce) announced the “Capital Readiness Program,” a grant competition that sought applicants who: (1) help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs build capacity; (2) provide access to capital opportunities; and (3) provide access to networks. WESST pursued this opportunity to significantly increase our technical assistance and microlending capacity and designed the WESST CAP-Ability Project. Of the 1,600 applicants from across the nation, WESST is proud to announce that our CAP-Ability Project proposal was among the 43 proposals selected to receive an award. The CAP-Ability Project will…
WESST Pop-Up Shop Vendor Spotlight: Kokopelli Design Studio
After a two-year hiatus, WESST is excited to host the 5th annual pop-up shop (Oct. 14th 11a-4p, 609 Broadway Blvd NE) where you can shop locally and find unique Made in New Mexico products and…
WESST Pop-Up Shop Vendor Spotlight: Worthington Farms
After a two-year hiatus, WESST is excited to host the 5th annual pop-up shop (Oct. 14th 11a-4p, 609 Broadway Blvd NE) where you can shop locally and find unique Made in New Mexico products and…
Fuel Cost-Saving Tips for Small Businesses
The high price of fuel is creating rising prices for all kinds of goods and services as businesses struggle to cover their costs. Small businesses that use vehicles as part of their daily operations will…
LaDonna Hopkins: A Fond Remembrance
A Fond Farewell I first met LaDonna Hopkins at a community event in 2008. I was immediately struck by how focused she was on me as we stood and talked in the middle of a…
“Leadership IS the Difference” – A Conversation with Bettye Pressley
One of my favorite aspects of working at WESST is getting to know our supporters who make this work possible. I’ve especially enjoyed getting to know Bettye Pressley through our regular phone calls. Bettye always…
Celebrating WESST Clients at Happy ½ Hours
In-person gatherings are back, but virtual gatherings are here to stay! WESST is pleased to have hosted two of our virtual “Happy ½ Hour” events in 2022, where we heard from our clients and showed…
Staff Spotlight: Tom Ragan
Tom joined the WESST team in October 2021 as the Studio Manager for the Comcast Digital Media Studio. We are happy to have him as part of the WESST family and hope you enjoy learning…
Are Your Employees Truly Engaged?
Global surveys indicate that many people are unhappy at work. In fact, it’s been estimated that over 70% of the workforce consists of passive job seekers. These people are not actively looking to leave their…
Ways to Support a Woman Owned Business
Go out of your way to shop at women owned businesses What is the best way to support women owned businesses? With your dollars. Businesses need customers to thrive and being intentional about where you…
The Trend Toward Solopreneurship
As home-based business ownership continues to trend upward in the U.S., Rio Rancho is certainly keeping pace. In fact, over 70 percent of the business registrations in Rio Rancho are for home-based businesses. This trend…
Money Matters: Financial Empowerment Through Knowledge & Tools
Why does financial empowerment matter? For some, finances can be a thrilling and exciting part of owning a business and/or living everyday life. But let’s be honest, only a few feel that way. For most,…
Thank You for Supporting WESST, Sunny505!
If you’ve ever received an annual report from WESST or visited our website, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful, compelling designs that characterize WESST’s brand. More recently, you might have seen WESST on television! Across the…