STORIES OF IMPACT

At WESST, we believe the heart of our mission is best told through the journeys of the entrepreneurs we serve. In our Client Stories section, you’ll find inspiring accounts of New Mexican business owners—at every stage of their ventures—who have been transformed through WESST’s consulting, training, lending, and incubation support. These stories highlight how we partner with clients to turn ideas into thriving, sustainable businesses, showing the real impact of guidance, financial tools, and persistence.

From wellness centers, retail brands, and service businesses to manufacturing and tech enterprises, each narrative underscores how tailored resources, mentorship, and belief in their vision helped these founders overcome obstacles, build confidence, and grow with purpose.

Surprise Balloons

Hobbs, NM In 2023, Elia Gonzalez learned about WESST through Sergio Polanco, the President of the Hobbs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She became familiar with WESST’s services and how they could potentially help promote what was, at the time, her project. She attended a WESST training, decided to start her small business, and that ‘project’ became Surprise Balloons. One of the main obstacles Elia faced was how to get started. She had the knowledge and skills but did not kn

CREATIVE ARTS

Tortas y Tacos Guadalajara

Roswell, NM When Pomposa Martinez arrived in Roswell, she dreamed of building a better future for her family. With her husband and three children by her side, she purchased a modest food truck and launched Tortas Y Tacos Guadalajara, bringing authentic Mexican flavors to their community. From the start, Pomposa’s warm personality and exceptional food quickly won the hearts of the local community, becoming a beloved fixture on Main Street. Her original food truck was aging

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Powerful Changes LLC

Albuquerque, NM Dawn Weiburg first connected with our former WESST Rio Rancho office in the spring of 2025. After a major life transition brought her to Albuquerque, she was looking for expert guidance to relaunch her 35-year coaching and personal training career. She wanted to establish a powerful, professional online presence for her new business, Powerful Changes. As a new resident to the city, she faced the significant challenge of building a business from the ground up

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Ii’ni Marketplace

Tohatchi, NM As Laris Manuelito began planning for her business, Ii’ni Marketplace, the biggest obstacle she encountered was securing funding for start-up businesses. She didn’t have collateral or prior business experience. Laris connected with the WESST Farmington office and learned about Native Women Rising, a special initiative focused on serving Native entrepreneurs. Laris, a Diné woman and a U.S. Army veteran, found there was a noticeable lack of dedicated support for

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Hair by Andy Nunez

Las Cruces, NM Andy Nunez, a hairstylist based in Las Cruces, had opened his own salon. Like so many others, he didn’t know where to start, but he managed to do it anyway. He found himself struggling with cash flow and needed help, but wasn’t sure where to find it – that's when he found out about WESST. His former salon received a small business loan, and he decided to reach out to our team in Las Cruces for support. He was facing obstacles in his business financials, from

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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