UNM GALLUP SBDC 2022 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK ARTICLE – “BUILDING ON OUR ASSETS”

Gallup, NM. On May 9-14, 2022, the Small Business Development Center at UNM Gallup celebrates 2022 Economic Development Week "Building on Our Assets” with our community. Economic development is the core of well-being and quality of life for communities across the United States. Locally we have many economic hometown heroes, those are our entrepreneurial outperformers that far exceed impact on the local economy by introducing innovative technologies, products and services. Further, small business development is a critical component in bringing new investments that fuel a community’s economy.

Collaboration with economic development partners is also critical. Our statewide NMSBDC Network has collaborated with many resources across the state to provide online webinars for entrepreneurs interested in starting a business, accessing government contracting, international trade and intellectual property along with a variety of other topics. The access to additional experienced trainers that has come out of this collaboration has provided educational curriculum to help many more entrepreneurs enhance their skills and create positive relationships with business owners and all resources across the state.

This undertaking was made stronger by a robust network of partners who took the initiative to collaborate, coordinate, and create their own activities and networking events. As we continue to focus on education, we invite you to visit any one of the 18 SBDC’s across the state of New Mexico, engage with us on social media, and check-out the opportunities to participate via our website https://www.nmsbdc.org/ trainings and resource tabs.

As more and more business is conducted online, there can be a tendency for an erosion of customer service which is often the primary competitive advantage possessed by many small businesses. We found our talented, creative, and driven clients are the reason the SBDC is so

strong. Our region's small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Some of the top reasons to support your local small business:

1. Local businesses are owned and operated by our neighbors! They care about and are invested in the well-being of our community and future.
2. Local businesses are more accountable to their local communities and donate more money to non-profits, schools and community events.
3. Supporting local businesses is good for the environment because they often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger companies.

The SBDC at UNM Gallup is committed to working with new and existing small businesses in and around McKinley County. Schedule a one-on-one, no-cost, confidential counseling session with any of the SBDC centers across the state of New Mexico.

ABOUT THE NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK

The New Mexico Small Business Development Center (NMSBDC) Network was established in 1989 through a partnership with the US Small Business Administration, the State of New Mexico, the New Mexico Association of Community Colleges, and the New Mexico Association of Independent Community Colleges. The NMSBDC Network State Office is located on Santa Fe Community College campus. The program provides confidential, no-cost business consulting and low cost business training to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state. Strategically located in 24 communities, we serve all 33 New Mexico counties. NMSBDC consultants have countless years of combined management and ownership expertise and have helped to create more than 35,000 jobs in the state since its inception. Entrepreneurs have access to subject matter experts to help them start, expand and be profitable. For more information visit www.nmsbdc.org.

SBA DISCLAIMER

“Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All SBDC programs are extended to the public on a non- discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. “ Contact: Santa Fe SBDC, 1950 Siringo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505, (505)428-1343.

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