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Funding Opportunities
Child Care Facility Loan Fund
The Child Care Facility Loan Fund supports projects that renovate, expand, or construct licensed child care facilities. If you are interested in starting a large improvement or expansion project for your child care business or constructing a new child care facility, you can apply for these loans to help finance your project.
Projects that will create more child care in underserved communities, particularly for infants and toddlers, are especially encouraged to apply.
These loans are meant for major capital projects: available loans start at $100,000. Partial loan abatement options are also available to borrowers who meet special criteria.
Loans may also be used for operating capital to support short-term funding obligations related to your project.
SBA Manufacturing Fee Reduction
For the first time, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is waiving fees on 7(a) and 504 loan programs specifically for manufacturers. These changes, effective October 1, 2025, are part of the White House's "Made in America" initiative and offer a compelling opportunity for businesses in NAICS Sectors 31-33.
Connect with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and Suppliers:
Make Onshoring Great Again portal | U.S. Small Business Administration
Dreamspring’s Power Line of Credit
Businesses that have fluctuating capital needs often use a line of credit, which allows them to borrow only what they need, repay all or part of the loan, and repeat as necessary without having to apply for a new loan every time additional funds are needed.
The Power Line of Credit gives eligible businesses this type of flexible financing.
Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI)-Change Labs
Change Labs’ Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI) pre-application is live!
The NSBCI is an exciting financing initiative for Navajo entrepreneurs, artisans, vendors, and nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen and grow their business.
Change Labs loan amounts range from $5,000 up to $1,000,000.
Our pre-application is available on a rolling basis. Submit your pre-application and take the first step towards investing in your future.
Need help?
Book an appointment with a Change Labs coach, stop in to our Tuba City E*Ship Hub to talk with a coach. You can now visit the Shiprock E-Ship Hub located at Tse Bit A i Shopping Center —a space created to uplift entrepreneurs, artists, and change-makers from across the region.
TrueGrit Growth Loan
Offered by DreamSpring to Covid-recovering businesses, this is a two-year unsecured loan of up to $10,000 at 3% interest rate.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Companies who are registered with the state, offer goods or services that have at least 51% U.S. content, have been in operation for at least a year, and have 500 or fewer employees may apply.
Grants are offered up to $7,500 per company. For more information about the STEP program and to apply, visit the New Mexico Trade Alliance.
The source of the grant is the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program STEP 11 Grant. STEP grants are provided on a reimbursable basis for allowable activities.
Funding levels are specific to the service or activity:
- International trade show or mission: $7500
- Global website optimization: $7500
- International business matchmaking: $5000
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International market research: $5,000
- Foreign product registration: $6,000
Natural Resource Sales Assistance Program
This program sets aside a percentage of natural resource goods sold by the federal government for bidding by small businesses only.
The five categories are:
- Timber and related forest products
- Strategic materials
- Royalty oil
- Leases involving rights to minerals, coil, and oil and gas
- Surplus real and personal property
The program also provides training for small businesses on government sales and leasing.
Wonderschool Academy Program
Designed to help people who are interested in starting their own childcare program from their home.
The program offers the following FREE assistance with:
- Getting licensed – Participants will be provided support through each step of the application process,
- Business Coaching – The organization provides a business curriculum to help participants build a sustainable childcare program,
- Ongoing Support – The organization provides onboarding process and tools that increase child enrollment and streamline program management,
- Incentives - Wonderschool is committed to removing barriers and making it easier for participants to start their business programs,
- Program participants will also receive up to $500 for their licensing fees and an extra $250 when they submit their licensing application.
The Amber Grant
$10,000 awards granted to a woman entrepreneur each month.
Each month, our judges review all the applications — then select 5 finalists.
- One of those finalists will be the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant grant winner.
- The other 4 finalists will each receive $1,000.
Grant winners announced by the 23rd of the following month.
Click here for Application
Small Business Digital Readiness Program Grants
The Small Business Digital Readiness Program helps small business owners succeed in a digital world with a free online curriculum and includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources.
Verizon is awarding $10,000 to 50 small businesses.
To become eligible to apply, you just have to complete 2 Digital Ready courses or events by December 10th, 2025 (and you might have already done this!).
Application are accepted on a rolling basis.
Apply now!
Awesome Foundation
The Awesome Foundation awards grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups looking to fund various projects.
Though funding is not limited to businesses, startups and small businesses have been among the recipients of the monthly grants.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Pollock - Krasner Foundation Artist Grant
Actively exhibiting visual artists who are painters, sculptors, and artists who work on paper, including printmakers, are invited to apply.
Grant amounts up to $50,000 are intended for a one-year period.
This grant has no deadline.
Incfile Entrepreneur Grant
The Incfile Entrepreneur Grant offers two $2,500 grant opportunities:
- The Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant for students with an interest in starting a business
- The Fresh Start Business Grant for adult entrepreneurs planning to start a new business or grow an existing one.
Applicants for both grants must complete an online application, create a two-minute video, and a sample business plan.
Industrial Assessment Centers (AIC) Implementation Grants Program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) $400 million Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grants program, which provides grants of up to $300,000 per manufacturer per application round, with 50% cost share, to implement project recommendations made by DOE and other qualified energy assessments.
These projects are meant to improve energy and material efficiency, enhance cybersecurity, increase productivity, deploy smart and advanced manufacturing technologies, and reduce waste and pollution at industrial facilities. As the average grant application has been about $75,000 and only $10 million has been awarded so far, there’s a lot funding still available for economic development.
Eligible applicants include small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms, water treatment facilities, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities.
In contrast to traditional DOE funding opportunities, the IAC grant program works through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement, called ENERGYWERX, resulting in a very simple and straightforward application form and process via Submittable.com. Independent energy assessors are also free to apply to be qualified as “IAC equivalent” by DOE, such that their clients are eligible to apply for grant funding.
The program operates on an open and rolling structure, so applications are accepted anytime throughout the year and reviewed and selected on a quarterly basis.
Boundless Futures Foundation
The Boundless Futures Foundation awards grants to U.S.-based female entrepreneurs and nonprofits that support female entrepreneurship.
The EmpowHer Grant offers entrepreneurs up to $25,000, with funds provided as reimbursements for business expenses upon proof of payment.
Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Comcast Innovation Fund
The Comcast Innovation Fund is accepting applications for the 2025 grant year, providing financial support ranging from $3,000 to $150,000 for projects with a one-year duration that advance internet technology and public policy.
The grant deadline is rolling until the funds for the year are exhausted.
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
These $2,500 quarterly micro grants provide non-dilutive funding for small businesses with 1-2 employees.
Funding can be used for utilities, commercial rent, inventory, professional development, software, marketing, and bookkeeping services.
Deadline: Quarterly rolling
Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program awards $20,000 grants to U.S. small businesses with owners aged 18 or older that show courage, perseverance, and integrity.
Three winners are chosen each quarter and receive both funding and resources to help grow their business.
Business Development & Expansion Grant
Creative for-profit businesses are invited to apply. Funding may be used for inventory, equipment, marketing, infrastructure, technology, and more.
An information webinar will be held on December 5 at 10 a.m. Register here.
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Deadlines: Cycle 1 - Dec 26, 2025 (6pm MT); Cycle 2 Feb 27 (6pm MT)
Hey Helen grant
Applications for the Hey Helen grant are now open. The initiative aims to invest in women entrepreneurs building impact-driven, for-profit businesses in the United States.
Each grant cycle, one founder will receive a $10,000 unrestricted cash award to fuel business operations, growth, marketing, hiring or infrastructure.
Applications close December 30, 2025
Faire Small Business Grant
The Faire Small Business Grant provides $5,000 grants to select new retail businesses to help them stock their stores and cover their inventory expenses.
Grants are awarded as Faire.com credit, which must be used within six months for inventory purchases on the platform.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S.-based and have opened their retail store within the last year or plan to open this year.
Applications for this cycle are open through December 31, 2025
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with customers.
Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000.
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Amex Shop Small Grants Program
To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, American Express is teaming up with Main Street America this Small Business Saturday® to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program.
The Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S. Plus, every time an American Express Card Member shops with their eligible Card at a qualifying U.S. small business on November 29, 2025, American Express will donate an additional $1 to fund additional grants.1
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects the shared commitment of American Express and Main Street America to champion small businesses that strengthen communities and help local economies thrive.
Applications open from Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 CT.
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Upcoming Trainings
Visit our website for upcoming NMSBDC trainings or
our YouTube for pre-recorded Webinars
January 7, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Hybrid
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Come to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to meet Procurement Specialist Christopher Crazy Bull, APEX Accelerator clients, and get training on Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence! It’s an important topic and free to attend!
WHY: Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) happens when a foreign entity has the power to direct or influence the management or operations of a company. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially compromise national security.
FOCI can involve legal means like joint ventures and acquisitions or illegal methods like cyber espionage.
Learn how to protect yourself, your business, and your country! FOCI training will be held in the Parrot Room in Indian Pueblo Cultural Center AND VIRTUAL (zoom link will be sent out on 1/6). The Parrot Room is located downstairs in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Questions: Please email C.CrazyBull@NCAIED.org or call (480) 321-5748.
2025 Income Tax Law Updates for Small Business
February 5, 2026 | 11:30am - 1:00pm | Hybrid
5101 College Blvd. Farmington, NM 87402
Join us as Steve Oldfield, CPA will share with us what updates you need to know about the tax law so that you’re ready when it comes time to file your 2025 returns.
Free SBIR/STTR Online Courses - Canvas Courses
Do you want to learn more about SBIR/STTR programs but don't have time to attend classes or workshops? NMSU Arrowhead Center is offering free SBIR courses through Canvas. These are self-paced and self-guided courses where you have the flexibility to learn more about SBIR/STTR programs around your schedule with no constraining deadlines.
There are two different types of courses available, SBIR/STTR 101 and agency-focused courses. The general SBIR/STTR course will introduce you to the value of the SBIR/STTR programs, the requirements for creating a complete and compelling proposal package, and some highlights on the program structure for your proposal.
Agency-focused courses expand on the information in the SBIR/STTR 101 course, highlighting that particular agency. These courses cover how that agency utilizes the SBIR/STTR programs, specific requirements for a proposal package for that agency, and differences you need to be aware of that could impact your ability to submit a proposal.
Throughout this course, you can ask the NM FAST team questions about SBIR/STTR programs.
Nuevos seminarios web bajo demanda disponibles en Español
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