FY26 LEADS grant accepting applications starting on April 16. Join us for a kickoff webinar on April 16 at 2pm for an overview of the LEADS program and application process.
If you're interested in attending, please reach out to your Regional Representative(s) for the invitation and further details.
LEADS is a funding program for economic development projects that deliver sustainable outcomes. It evolved from the Certified Communities Initiative (CCI) in fiscal year 2016. The goal of LEADS is to create jobs through recruitment, retention/expansion, and startup activities, develop the tax base, and incentivize business development. LEADS applications are evaluated based on these objectives.
Funding:
Projects are awarded $5,000 to $25,000 per year through a cost-reimbursement contract. EDD reimburses the applicant for work performed and costs incurred, up to the awarded amount. Reimbursement occurs after project completion and submission of a project report.
Eligible Applicants:
Are involved in an economic development effort with both public and private participation, demonstrating the ability to drive economic growth.
Have an up-to-date community economic development plan and a marketing plan supporting business development and job growth.
Have passed the Local Economic Development Act in their region and, ideally, a Local Option Gross Receipts Tax for economic development, or other economic development financing tools in their service area.
Eligible Projects:
Must achieve specific economic development goals, such as job creation, tax base expansion, and/or business development, with measurable outcomes.\
Must align with the community’s adopted economic development plan.
Should have a clear start and end date.
Must include an appropriate budget and timeline.
The LEADS Program is administered by the Community, Business and Rural Development Team (aka Regional Reps). Team members work with communities to identify projects and prepare the LEADS application.
New Mexico Economic Development Department
Main number: (505) 827-0300 (se habla español)
Email: info@edd.nm.gov
Joseph M. Montoya Building
1100 S. St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Albuquerque Office
500 Marquette Ave NW Suite 640
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Mailing Address:
New Mexico Economic
Development Department
P.O. Box 20003
Santa Fe, NM 87504-5003
The mission of the New Mexico Economic Development Department is to Improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive.
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