Ebenezer Childcare LLC
Hobbs, NM: Yaneidy Gomez Yaneidy has always been passionate about helping others and previously worked as a nurse. As she and her husband began thinking about their next chapter, they noticed a growing need for child care services in the Hobbs area. With their own children now teenagers, they wanted to create something meaningful to serve families. Yaneida was unable to return to nursing full-time after undergoing surgery, and inspired by her sister-in-law, who operates her o
Indigi Bean Creative
Akeemi Martinez first learned about WESST through a community partner at the American Indian Business Enterprise (AIBE), who had shared information about workshop at WESST geared towards women. She took her first training in 2024 and has since worked with our WESST team throughout the state. Vanderwagen, NM: Akeemi Martinez As an emerging artist and entrepreneur, Akeemi is navigating the intersection of creative expression and business development. Indigi Bean Creative was b
Jack's Plastic Welding
Aztec, NM: Jack's Plastic Welding team, TJ Garcia, Miguel, Layla, Dylon, Evan, Perri, Carlos Moreno, Tyson, Shannon, Amber, Travor, Niaomi, and Greg. Dereck P not included in photo. Aztec, NM: Jack’s Plastic Welding (JPW), based in Aztec, NM, has been building durable inflatable products since 1982. The business began as a sole proprietorship and has now grown into a specialized manufacturing operation with a 10,000+ square foot facility. In 2025, WESST, the New Mexico Manuf
Enchanting Soap Collections Take Flight
By WESST | June 9, 2026 Earlier this year, Enchanting Soap Collections, WESST incubator tenant and Ascend ABQ cohort member, entered Runway to Success, the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) pitch competition. They were selected as one of nine businesses from a national applicant pool of 120 to pitch at a national competition in St. Louis. While they did not advance to the next round of the competition, Roberta Easter and Chrystal Trykoski are still winning big: they we
Benny Sausage Company
Rio Rancho, NM: Ruben Rodriguez, Benny Sausage Co Ruben Rodriguez’s entrepreneurial journey comes from a background of service, resilience, and hands-on business experience. He is a disabled, retired veteran who previously served in the federal service as a Zone Safety Manager with the National Park Service. His career taught him lifelong skills like leadership and the ability to perform under pressure, all of which he brings into business ownership today. Before launching B
McCabe Experiential Learning
Farmington, NM: Roman McCabe, McCabe Experiential Learning In 2024, Roman McCabe established McCabe Experiential Learning, specializing in team dynamics, consultation, and facilitation. When previously employed, McCabe Experiential Learning was just an idea, but Roman knew it would be beneficial for team building offered as a formal service. He had a special skillset in teaching and promoting diverse learning environments. Roman has been a rodeo announcer since he was 22 year
Sips on 66
Hobbs, NM: Grecia Franco & Italia Hermosillo, Sips on 66 Grecia and Italia are sisters and founders of Sips on 66, a mobile beverage business. The sisters launched Sips on 66 in September 2025 with a vintage truck. Their grandfather operated beverage trucks in Mexico for more than a decade, building strong relationships with community, and serves as the inspiration for the family-owned and operated business. He didn’t just serve drinks; he created meaningful experiences. Sips
Albuquerque School of Healing Arts
Albuquerque, NM: Sara Ferrell and Laura Freed, Albuquerque School of Healing Arts (ASHA) When Sara Ferrell and Laura Freed first connected with WESST, it was through a long-standing relationship rooted in community. “I’ve known about WESST for over 20 years,” Sara shared. Her son went to school with Agnes, WESST’s previous Executive Director, and she met Mark, WESST’s previous Incubator Director, about 15 years ago when she first began exploring the idea of opening a business