@NMSU

NMSU Grants Small Business Development Center going strong

Imagine the elation New Mexico State University Grants felt after hearing that construction began on their new Small Business Development Center/Workforce Training (SDBC) facility... that was in 2007.  Once a former Bank of America building, the new SDBC is located just a few blocks from the NMSU Grants campus and a few steps away from the rented storefront offices where the SBDC was housed for more than 15 years.

The vision for the new building was to provide expanded space for NMSU Grants, so SBDC could offer more workforce training and small business support to their service area. The SBDC moved into their new building in March 2008 and held its first Open House in Dec. 2008. NMSU Grants SBDC staff includes Clemente Sanchez, the director; Geraldine L. Ortiz, the business advisor; and Pattie Alexander, the administrative assistant. 

Left to right: Ashley Williamson, John Woosley, Marcella Sandoval, Ida Chavez, David Vallo, Clemente Sanchez, SBDC director, Felicia Casados, NMSU Grants president, Harry Sheski, Lloyd Felipe, Roy Miller, Pattie Alexander, Geraldine Ortiz and Joe Murrietta, City of Grants mayor.

Purchase of the bank building, which had been on the market and vacant for more than eight years, was funded by a legislative appropriation of $250,000 sponsored in 2006 by now retired state Sen. Joseph A. Fidel. About $150,000 covered the purchase of the building and the remaining balance of $100,000, along with  $180,000 from NMSU Grants, paid for the architectural costs, remodeling of the facility, classroom furniture and future exterior landscaping. 

The SBDC network has contributed funding for a double-faced marquis outdoor digital sign, fifteen laptops and a portable computer cart to support workforce training for the area business community to support their entrepreneurial endeavors. Added features in the new facility include two computer work stations, work rooms for planning and client counseling, and added space to allow expanded business library resources. The workforce training classroom has a capacity for 25 students.  In its previous rented storefront offices, the SBDC did not have classroom space. 

The SBDC invites anyone in the area to come by for a visit. The SBDC's mission is to provide quality direct assistance, entrepreneurial education and resource links for potential and existing small businesses to strengthen the economy of New Mexico and Cibola County.