NEW MEXICO ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Creative Industries Division Grant Opportunities

FOR ALL CID GRANTS:

State Authorized Arts and Cultural District (ACD) Pilot Grant Program

A one-time initiative aimed at demonstrating the economic potential and cultural impact of directly funding state-authorized ACDs. The program aims to provide catalytic resources for ACDs to implement high-impact creative industry programming, drive local economic growth, and build the case for sustained investment through a dedicated fund outside the Creative Industries Division. Anticipated awards up to $100,000, subject to change.

  • Application Period: Aug. 4-29, 2025 (closes 6pm MT)
  • Review Period: Sept. 2025
  • Processing Period: Oct.-Nov. 2025
  • Project Period: Dec. 2025 – Dec. 2026

Timeline is subject to change.

Creative Support Organization Grant

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations with a demonstrated history of impactful work in supporting creative entrepreneurs and advancing creative industry development across New Mexico. This includes organizations that support creative industry companies and workers. Whether building networks, offering technical assistance, providing creative business incubation, or strengthening regional creative ecosystems, this grant supports continued leadership in growing New Mexico’s creative economy. Open to local governments, Nations, Tribes, Pueblos, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations. Anticipated awards up to $62,500, subject to change.

  • Application Period: Sept. 29-Oct. 24, 2025 (6pm MT)
  • Review Period: Nov. 2025
  • Processing Period: Dec. 2025 -Jan. 2026
  • Project Period: Feb. 2026 – Feb. 2027

Timeline is subject to change 

Business Development & Expansion Grant

Returning program for existing creative businesses.

Eligible businesses must:

  • Have a minimum of three-year history of operations
  • Be a for-profit entity in good standing

Preferential points will be given to businesses with fewer than ten employees including part time staff, and to businesses located in rural areas per statutory language that requires 50% of grant funding to go to rural and underserved businesses, and language that specifies support for projects and proposals that support small creative businesses. Eligible businesses are also identified in the grant FAQ, division statute by industry area, and corresponding NAICS codes available in Appendix C on page 206 of the 2024 Division Study.

Uses include:

  • inventory
  • equipment  
  • marketing, promotion, digital presence
  • small infrastructure improvements that can be completed in a 12-month period
  • technology and software improvements
  • uses that help strengthen the businesses capacity for measuring impact, engagement, evaluation, and economic contributions

Non-allowable use: Hiring of full-time personnel

Prospective applicants will be asked to describe their plans to leverage potential grant funding for greater returns on investment. Anticipated awards up to $25,000, subject to change.

  • Cycle 1 Application Period: Dec. 1-26, 2025 (closes at 6 pm MT)
  • Cycle 2 Application Period: Feb. 2-27, 2026 (closes at 6 pm MT)

Please note applicants may only apply for one cycle for this program per fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).

Background Information and Timeline Projections

  • All grant programs will involve an informational webinar during the application period, that will be recorded and uploaded to the agency YouTube Page.
  • Processing time can range anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks and may take longer depending on individual variables. W9s are reviewed and submitted to Department of Finance and Administration, outside of the Economic Development Department and Creative Industries Division.
  • CID Grants FAQ