AGA Smör LLC
AGA Smör is a Santa Fe, New Mexico-based business with Swedish influence making artisanal seasoned butters with the goal of enhancing meals and simplifying the daily cooking experience. Anika’s entrepreneurial journey began with her then two-year-old daughter, who was deep in the life-changing moment of experiencing solid foods. Wanting to create more flavorful and easier options for parents, the idea of flavored butter was born. There was a steep learning curve getting into
Amigo Café
The Amigo Café is in Kayenta, Arizona near Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation. The restaurant is open six days a week and is one of only two full-service restaurants in the township. Employing fourteen, the business is the longest continuously operating business in town. The menu is a blend of Mexican, American and Navajo cuisine. The business actively supports youth athletics, sponsors of local-area marathon runners and is a long-time donor to the local women’s shelter.
Bosa Donuts
William Cardoza is the owner of a small restaurant and bakery located in Las Cruces. Initially only donuts were sold, but eventually, William expanded his menu to include burritos, menudo, tamales, and other Mexican food. The startup process was a bit different for William since he was an employee of the business for a short period of time before taking ownership. William started as an entry level hourly worker with the company and through his hard work and determination, h
Cacho's Bistro, LLC
Ronsuelvic Cavalieri has always had an entrepreneurship spirit. She came to WESST in March of 2017 with the idea to start her company based on a popular Venezuelan pastry called cachos. She knew she had to learn the basics of forming a business, design her business plan, learn about the food industry regulations, save some money to pay for the startup costs and get proper advice and mentorship. She worked for about 9 months on developing her plan, attending training and consu
Casa Fine Mexican Cuisine
Josefina Verduzco is the passionate owner of Casa Fina Mexican Cuisine. She is focused on bringing authentic flavors to the community through high-quality dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Josefina first met with WESST in June 2023 seeking funding for her business. She met with our Lending team and was able to complete a Nano Loan application to purchase a laptop for her business – a small loan with a big impact, helping her streamline and enhance her bus
Catopia Cat Café
Catopia is a “Cat Cafe,” a fun place to hang out with cats and promote adoption while being able to sit, read, and eat or drink a little something while spending quality time with friends or with a new feline friend. Sandy Dierks had a self-described mid-life crisis. She says it was a “kids are grown empty nest thing,” and she has always wanted to help animals. She was reading about the rise in popularity of “Cat Cafes” and thought it would be a good business venture for Albu
Crazy Maizy’s Fabulous Popcorn Factory
Marilyn Mayse has been a huge supporter of WESST for over 15 years. Last year, she approached Jennifer Craig, WESST’s Regional Manager in Las Cruces, as a client with the idea of opening a gourmet popcorn storefront, offering an array of sweet and savory popcorn. Mayse was introduced to gourmet popcorn coincidentally at a high school sporting event. The concept intrigued her because she envisioned endless possibilities in flavors and combinations. She selected a storefront an
Cutbow Coffee
Cutbow Coffee is a coffee roastery, tasting room and coffee bar serving their own hand-selected coffee blends sourced from around the world. Their unique store is located in Albuquerque’s picturesque and historic North Valley. Paul’s passion for coffee came from his many years working as an expert roaster for Peet’s coffee in California. In 2016 Paul brought this passion back to his home state of New Mexico to pursue the dream of opening his own coffee roastery. Paul’s many f
Diane's Restaurant
For Diane Holloway, reaching a low point gave her the momentum to leap from pastry chef to successful entrepreneur. She moved quickly from no job prospects to using a $5,000 SBA microloan from WESST to grow a trio of eateries. Now, Holloway’s sought-after destinations sit within a single city block in Silver City, New Mexico: Diane’s Bakery & Deli, Diane’s Restaurant, and The Parlor. Even with her impressive list of accomplishments, Holloway is not quick to accept titles, inc