The New Mexico Economic Development Department announced that ten creative industry businesses will receive a total of $241,000 to help them scale operations, strengthen infrastructure and expand market opportunities.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero
Creative Industries Director Shani Harvie
Contact: Chris Chaffin
Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov
(505) 490-7962
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 16, 2026
New Mexico invests $241,000 in creative businesses through Business Development & Expansion Grant
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department announced that ten creative industry businesses will receive a total of $241,000 to help them scale operations, strengthen infrastructure and expand market opportunities.
The department’s Creative Industries Division administers the Business Development & Expansion Grant. The program supports creative businesses across the state by providing targeted investments that help businesses reach their goals and make a positive economic impact across New Mexico.
Round 1 of the FY26 application cycle opened in December 2025 and attracted nearly 100 applications from creative businesses representing a wide range of disciplines, regions and growth stages.
“New Mexico’s diverse creative industries set us apart from the rest of the country, defining our unique culture. It’s who we are,” said New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “By investing in businesses that are prepared to grow, we’re investing in our cultural heritage and our economic future.”
The Business Development & Expansion Grant provides funding for professional services, equipment purchases, market expansion, technology upgrades and other investments that contribute to long-term economic growth.
“This program supports creative businesses that have demonstrated readiness for expansion,” said Creative Industries Division Director Shani Harvie. “By investing in operational growth and strategic expansion, creative companies can build on their momentum and increase their economic impact.”
The following creative businesses were selected for funding through the FY26 Round 1 cycle:
- 111 Park Espresso Bar & Cafe LLC (Raton) $25,000, will purchase and install a commercial coffee roaster to scale artisanal roasting capacity, replace failing equipment and enable grocery and regional retail distribution. Funds support equipment purchase, installation, staff training, and retail-ready packaging — boosting workforce skills, local taxable receipts, and market access for Raton-made products.
- Big Head Leather (Rio Rancho) $25,000, will invest in advanced equipment and improved production processes that increase output capacity, allowing them to compete more directly with larger, established wholesale suppliers while maintaining our commitment to craftsmanship and customer service.
- Bite Size Media LLC (Albuquerque) $16,000 will invest in SEO, social media strategy, and website UI improvements to increase visibility. This project will strengthen digital performance, expand audience reach, and support revenue opportunities for its publications, while adapting to an evolving media landscape.
- Celebrity Enterprises, aka Artrageous (Tijeras) $25,000, will be investing in video equipment and materials and updated digital marketing to support its national touring performances and upcoming Dollywood residency, while supporting workforce development through a paid touring internship.
- Curious Bluebird LLC (Santa Fe) $25,000, will invest in studio infrastructure, locally sourced fiber materials, marketing and technology to increase fiber art production, expand inventory and strengthen educational offerings. The project will support workshops and virtual programming, grow earned revenue through art sales and teaching, and enhance long-term business sustainability.
- EL RAZON LLC (Las Cruces) $25,000, will develop infrastructure through storage and renovations, allowing it to upgrade workstations to complete orders with ease and develop new skills and advanced current skills to meet new technology needs to stay up-to-date with new marketing, thereby gaining new clients.
- Mineralbound Silver LLC (Las Cruces) $25,000, will invest in tools, equipment and materials to expand hands-on silversmithing workshops, while increasing capacity, strengthening sustainability and improving access to creative education.
- Pfeifer Studio LLC (Bernalillo) $25,000, will invest in a modern, high-performance website to improve online visibility, better showcase craftsmanship and reach new national and international markets. It aims to increase sales, support skilled New Mexico jobs, and strengthen long-term business sustainability.
- Stark Raven Fabrication (Santa Fe) $25,000, will purchase a new fiber laser cutter, which will expand its capacity to deliver faster, more precise fabrication. This investment improves workplace safety, reduces production time, and allows for more complex tasks — creating additional paid opportunities and hands-on training, while keeping big projects in the community.
- Whiskey and Clay (Santa Fe) $25,000, will upgrade its existing kiln and purchase a new kiln, pottery wheels and other equipment. These improvements will allow the business to ramp up production and meet the increasing demand for its pots.
These projects reflect the diversity and innovation of New Mexico’s creative economy, spanning urban and rural communities and contributing to job creation, business resilience and local economic vitality.
For more information about the Creative Industries Division and upcoming grant opportunities, visit edd.newmexico.gov/creative.
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More photos available upon request
