20 awardees for Capital Connect bilingual business-support

Capital Connect first cohort announced

Contact: Chris Chaffin

Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov

(505) 490-7962

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 19, 2025

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Cabinet Secretary Rob Black

Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero

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:

123 Child Development Center Inc., Albuquerque

Andino Mini Market LLC, Santa Fe

BodySculptNM, Albuquerque

Calclo LLC, Artesia

Casa Cocktails LLC, Albuquerque

Chocolate Dreams Pastries, Albuquerque

Dulce Tradicion LLC, Albuquerque

FAMCo Inc., Las Cruces

Fiori e Sale, Los Alamos

Flyby Holding/Flyby Provisions, Albuquerque

INTTRA A to Z, Language Consulting Services, Inc., Las Cruces

J's Heaven, dba Duke City Herbs, Albuquerque

New Mexico Pack Burros LLC, Edgewood

Pequenas Sonrisas, Albuquerque

Red Root Acupuncture & Herbs LLC, Albuquerque

Sage Botanical Ltd, Santa Fe

Trzato Esthetics LLC, dba The Male Room, Santa Fe

Wendy Gallegos M.A. LLC, dba Bosque Hearing, Corrales

West Coast Automated Systems LLC, Albuquerque

Wilder Gardens LLC, Albuquerque

Learn more about the Capital Connect program at edd.newmexico.gov/capital-connect

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EDD’s mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by funding workforce training and infrastructure that supports business growth, helping every community create a thriving economy.

New Mexico Economic Development Department

EDD.NewMexico.gov

New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis Dr Joseph M. Montoya Building | Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147 US

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