BUILDING STRONGER TOGETHER: Collaboration as a key to growth

By Keegan Mackenzie-Chavez, Region 1 Representative, NM Economic Development Department

"Building Stronger Together” is this year’s theme for Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation celebration of the 2025 Economic Development Week.
Partnerships truly are how McKinley County works to create a strong economy. Collaboration creates opportunities for greater access to resources and expertise. Through it, we find common goals and a direction that moves our community forward. Economic Development Week brings the community together, creating a venue for discussion and shared interest.

At the center of this collaboration sits GGEDC to serve as the facilitator for drawing businesses to the community and assisting with access to available resources. As one of two northwest regional representatives for the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), I am excited to champion the importance of building partnerships. The EDD Regional Reps work with local Economic Development Organizations housed within our counties, because we understand that these organizations are paramount to building the capacity within the community for business to grow.

Together we can do more. As the first stratum of a foundational approach to economic, development, GGEDC and EDD work arm in arm, tapping into programs that support business development. Facilitating projects within the community and assisting businesses to start, expand, and renovate, requires strong collaboration and an understanding of what programs are available and how to access them.

EDD has various programs that support both businesses and municipalities, including LEDA (Local Economic Development Act funds), LEADS (Local Economic Assistance and Development Support), and JTIP (Job Training Incentive Program), as well as Technical Assistance through the SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative) program, available through our Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).

EDD also works closely with other state agencies. We can help you connect to NM Finance Authority programs, like the Opportunity Enterprise fund, and the New Market Tax Credit program that offer support for a variety of projects. The C-PACE program is a low-interest loan for energy efficiency upgrades for new and renovated buildings. We can also help you find funding for your project through the US Department of Agriculture, NM Department of Finance and Administration, Housing New Mexico, Small Business Administration, US Economic Development Administration, Department of Workforce Solutions, NW NM Council of Governments, and a variety of other state and federal agencies.

There are even opportunities beyond our state and federal partners. Through our educational institutions, with opportunities that support developing worker skills and obtaining degrees and certificates, we can tap into programs that enhance employee skillsets to facilitate a stronger workforce and enhance career opportunities. Locally, we have UNM-Gallup, Western University, Navajo Technical University, Americas Job Center New Mexico, and Southwest Indian Foundation’s Industrial Workforce Program. Moving beyond McKinley County, we have additional resources through San Juan College, Dine College, and NM State University.

Within the county there are also events and resources available directly to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those needing assistance to start their business through the Small Business Development Center, WESST, the Eastern Regional Business Development Center, NTU’s Innovation Center, and the Chamber of Commerce. These organizations and resources are just a beginning point, to spark an interest in what may be the match for your business need.

This week, encouraged by the Economic Development Week events, take some time to seek out information through our EDD team and GGEDC.
Information builds networks that feed collaboration. We can “Build Stronger Together!”

For more resources, visit the EDD website at: https://edd.newmexico.gov and sign-up for our bi-weekly newsletter at: https://edd.newmexico.gov/stay-informed.

Keegan Mackenzie-Chavez
Region 1 Representative
Serving Cibola, McKinley, Sandoval, and San Juan Counties

Community, Business & Rural Development Team  
NM Economic Development Department

Keegan has been with EDD since January of 2023, but is leaving on May 9, 2025. She is one of two reps in the region, with Lorraine Ruggles also serving the Gallup and NW region. Keegan’s replacement will be posted to the EDD website at https://edd.newmexico.gov/community-development.