SBDC Jennifer Lee

By Jennifer Lee, Business Advisor at the SBDC at UNM-Gallup

The New Mexico Small Business Development Center (NMSBDC) takes great pride in fulfilling its mission to develop skilled entrepreneurs and strong businesses throughout our state. The highly skilled NMSBDC staff is comprised of business professionals with years of combined small business management and ownership expertise. The pride and dedication of the consultants shines through with 500+ combined years of service with the NMSBDC Network.

The NMSBDC 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. Currently, there are nineteen NMSBDC centers strategically located throughout the state, including one in Gallup at 106 West Highway 66. The center in Gallup serves all of McKinley County and is hosted by the University of New Mexico-Gallup.

The SBDC at UNM Gallup is a great resource for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business, as well as those already in business. Services provided by the center include confidential business consultations at no charge, along with workshops tailored to specific topics business owners and entrepreneurs are most needing at the time at little to no cost.

Do you have a great idea for a new business? Are you an entrepreneur wondering where to begin? Have you dreamed of starting your own business, but don’t know where to start? The SBDC at UNM Gallup can help you navigate the steps to register your business, assess what legal structure is best for your business goals, apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) business loan, and so much more.

Are you currently in business? Are you looking to expand your business? Do you want to move your business online, but don’t know how to make the transition? The SBDC at UNM Gallup is ready to help existing business owners stay in business, grow their business, and pivot their business model during these difficult times.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have experienced unforeseen financial hardship. During this challenging time, the SBDC at UNM Gallup has kept itself apprised of the latest programs and funding options available to business owners. If you are interested in information about the SBA disaster loan process, the State of New Mexico finance options, or other financing programs for businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic, contact the SBDC at UNM Gallup. Programs and processes change daily, make sure you have the most up to date information so you can make the best decision for your small business. We encourage you to apply for assistance sooner than later, our staff are standing by to assist you in the process.

Recently, the NMSBDC designed and launched a series of free, live, interactive webinars. Some of the training topics include Economic Injury Disaster Loan Reopening Information, Marketing During COVID-19, Taking Your Business Online, Recovery Strategies for Tourism-Related Businesses, and more. Each webinar lasts about an hour, which includes time for the presenter(s) to answer detailed questions from the participants. For more information and to review the webinar topics and schedule, visit http://www.nmsbdc.org/workshop-and-events. aspx.

For the latest information about programs and resources related to business survival during the COVID-19 crisis, visit the NMSBDC website at http://www.nmsbdc.org/Default.aspx. The website home page is updated frequently with the latest info and links to a wide variety of helpful resources.

The SBDC at UNM Gallup is ready to assist you, no matter where you are in your business cycle. Let us help you start that new business you always dreamed of, take your existing business to new heights, or simply navigate through these uncertain times. We are all in this together. Contact our Center Director, Cyndi Jarvison at cjarvison@ unm.edu, or our Business Advisor, Jennifer Lee at jlee04@unm.edu, to schedule your free, confidential consultation.