Business Retention & Expansion Program

Santa Fe County is committed to ensuring the success of local businesses. Our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) program exemplifies our dedication to assisting communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs in their growth and retention efforts. The BR&E program is designed to proactively address the needs of existing businesses, mitigate challenges, identify future opportunities, and connect businesses with resources that enhance their competitiveness and success. Our customer-centric approach aims to serve as a single point of contact for companies seeking business assistance and resources. We look forward to getting to know you and your business.

Goals:

  • Growth Assistance: Aid local firms in identifying and addressing their needs and impediments to growth.
  • Strengthen Relationships: Foster strong connections between Santa Fe County and local businesses and industries.
  • Resource Connection: Link local businesses with resources and supportive services to help them plan for the future and enhance their competitiveness.

Funding Opportunities

Santa Fe County Economic Development has partnered with the RDC to provide funding opportunities to county businesses. These funding opportunities aim to help maintain and/or build businesses that drive economic growth in rural, Native American and urban communities throughout Santa Fe County. These funding opportunities help increase revenue, create jobs and accelerate business growth. Unlike traditional investments, these funds allow small businesses to receive support without giving away any ownership of the company, filling a unique niche, which supports businesses that lack collateral for debt financing.

General Information About the Funding Opportunities

What are the requirements?

While each fund has different requirements, all applicants are required to:

  • Be a business (profit or non-profit) with a business license and business bank account
  • Be located in Santa Fe County

How can I apply for funding?

The application process for each fund opens once a year. The next round opens March 1, 2026. Click on the fund name below to see the when the application process opens, when applications are due, and learn more about the fund. RDC staff is available to help with the application process every step of the way. Please contact info@rdcnm.org with questions or to learn more. The RDC also be hosts a series of funding information workshops throughout the region during the year.

Micro-Grant Fund

RDC’s Micro-Grant Fund provides a small infusion of capital to help businesses diversify, sustain or grow revenue, leverage other investments, and put systems in place that lead to growth and create job opportunities. The RDC provides technical support and information on other funding opportunities to all applicants, regardless of whether or not funding is received. Our goal is to sustain and assist developing businesses in Northern New Mexico with job creation and diversifying the region’s economy.

AWARD SIZE:
Up to $3,000

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • 2026 Application period: June 2-30, 2026. Application process begins March 1, 2026.
  • Micro-Grant Fund Information Session (online):
    TBD
    Applicants are highly recommended to attend before applying in order to submit the best possible application. 

​ELIGIBILITY:

  • For-profit business of any type, size, or stage.
  • Headquartered in either Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County.
  • Business license, CRS#, and a business-only bank account.
  • In business at least one year or more from the opening date of the application process.
  • Preference given to businesses located in rural areas and those not previously awarded.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Each proposal must detail critical purchases that will advance the commercial progress of the company.
  • Grant funds can be used to purchase*:
    • Needed business equipment (computers, printers, manufacturing equipment, construction equipment, restaurant equipment, point of sale (POS) system, etc).
    • Consulting services (legal services, e-commerce site development, training, CAD design, equipment installation, etc).
    • Specialized software (must be purchased outright, subscription service not eligible).
  • Submit an application by the deadline.
  • If awarded, have the ability to pay for funded purchases and submit paid invoices for reimbursement.
  • Complete purchases within 3 months of signed award agreement.

​​AWARD GUIDELINES:

  • Funds awarded through a competitive process.
  • Applications reviewed and scored by an independent review panel.
  • Funds cannot be used to cover the cost of general business expenses/operating capital such as rent, utilities, inventory, insurance, or salaries.
  • Gambling, tobacco, or illegal activities will not be funded.
  • The full or a partial amount of the total request may be awarded.
  • Funds are not awarded upfront but as a reimbursement once purchases are completed and approved.
  • Purchases outlined in application cannot be purchased before an award is made and agreement is signed.


SELECTION PROCESS:

  • Only proposals that meet the eligibility and proposal requirements will be evaluated.
  • Evaluation conducted by Independent review panel of local and regional business experts.
  • Evaluation criteria based on potential to create new jobs, increase or diversify revenues for the company, and leverage other investments.


HOW TO APPLY?

  • Online Application: TBD
  • Sample Application: TBD
  • Please note: The application cannot be saved in-process for completion at a later time. Please review sample application to have your answers ready for input.

​QUESTIONS: Email Richard Lavalle