NEW MEXICO ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

EDD announces 20 awardees for Capital Connect bilingual business-support program

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has selected 20 small businesses from across the state to participate in the inaugural cohort of Capital Connect, the agency’s new bilingual program designed to help local entrepreneurs overcome barriers to accessing capital.

Contact: Chris Chaffin
Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov
(505) 490-7962FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 19, 2025

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Rome

EDD announces 20 awardees for Capital Connect bilingual business-support program
Selected companies represent diverse small businesses from across New Mexico

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has selected 20 small businesses from across the state to participate in the inaugural cohort of Capital Connect, the agency’s new bilingual program designed to help local entrepreneurs overcome barriers to accessing capital.

“These 20 companies reflect the innovation, determination, and cultural diversity that make New Mexico such a strong place to do business,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “Capital Connect is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, in the language they prefer, and give them the tools they need to grow.”

The program is led by EDD’s Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Office. Capital Connect is delivered in partnership with Revby, a national consulting firm that specializes in small business growth and capital readiness.

“Making Capital Connect fully bilingual was never up for debate; it was essential from the start,” said JEDI Office Coordinator Rita Veleta. “This approach isn’t just about language access, it’s about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and making sure they feel seen, supported, and equipped to grow their business.”

Beginning in January 2026, participants will receive three months of free, hands-on business support valued at more than $4,000 per company, including:

  • Group workshops
  • 1:1 financial technical assistance
  • Support with bookkeeping, financial planning, and loan-readiness
  • A fully bilingual learning environment, with instruction and peer engagement in both English and Spanish

The 20 for-profit small businesses were selected based on readiness for growth, need for capital-readiness support and alignment with the program’s focus on very small (fewer than 10 employees), minority-owned, and rural businesses.

  1. 123 Child Development Center Inc., Albuquerque
  2. Andino Mini Market LLC, Santa Fe
  3. 21 boxes showing the cohort's faces, including JEDI Office Manager, during the first virtual meetingBodySculptNM, Albuquerque
  4. Calclo LLC, Artesia
  5. Casa Cocktails LLC, Albuquerque
  6. Chocolate Dreams Pastries, Albuquerque
  7. Dulce Tradicion LLC, Albuquerque
  8. FAMCo Inc., Las Cruces
  9. Fiori e Sale, Los Alamos
  10. Flyby Holding/Flyby Provisions, Albuquerque
  11. INTTRA A to Z, Language Consulting Services, Inc., Las Cruces
  12. J’s Heaven, dba Duke City Herbs, Albuquerque
  13. New Mexico Pack Burros LLC, Edgewood
  14. Pequenas Sonrisas, Albuquerque
  15. Red Root Acupuncture & Herbs LLC, Albuquerque
  16. Sage Botanical Ltd, Santa Fe
  17. Trzato Esthetics LLC, dba The Male Room, Santa Fe
  18. Wendy Gallegos M.A. LLC, dba Bosque Hearing, Corrales
  19. West Coast Automated Systems LLC, Albuquerque
  20. Wilder Gardens LLC, Albuquerque

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