If you are looking to start or expand a business in New Mexico, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources – both government and private – available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these places:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
3. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
4. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start off with a starting out guide

The New Mexico Small Business Development Center network has published a 41-page guide to help you get your new business started. This informative pamphlet, which can be downloaded, covers a wide variety of topics critical to small business owners, including licensing, financial assistance, counseling and business planning.

I recommend: Start out on the right foot at the New Mexico SBDC Network.

Check in with the Small Business Development Center Network

With local centers in 19 communities around the state, and the lead center in Santa Fe, this network is available to give you free confidential assistance and counseling in all the key phases of your business operation, from start up to expansion.

I recommend: Get help at Nmsbdc.org.

Learn about New Mexico's business climate

The New Mexico Economic Development Department's online data center is the central clearing house for demographic, economic and socio-economic information about the state. It has maps, county-by-county comparisons and downloadable fact book on the state.

I recommend: Learn about New Mexico at the state's Economic Development Department.

Discover business development opportunities in New Mexico

The Metro New Mexico Development Alliance is a statewide organization dedicated to helping business start and expand their operations in the state. The alliance offers information about the state as well as referrals to funding sources, labor pools and local business development incentives.

I recommend: Get helpful information about New Mexico at NMsitesearch.com.

Get answers to your questions

Answers, not more information, says the Business Utility Zone Gateway, is what you'll find at this website which offers detailed lists of resources helpful to the small business owner or anyone considering opening a small business in the state.

I recommend: See what's available at Buzgate.

Seek advice from local Chambers of Commerce

Before opening a business, be sure to talk to people who live and work in the community. One of the best places to start is the local Chamber of Commerce.

I recommend: Consult Global Index for a list of the chambers throughout the state.

Consult with Uncle Sam about running a small business in New Mexico

The U.S. Small Business Administration has a full range of services available in New Mexico, both on line, and at its district office in Albuquerque.

I recommend: Go to the SBA's site for a list of services in New Mexico.

Get advice from seasoned executives

SCORE, the non-profit association of retired business executives, has three branches in New Mexico offering both face-to-face and email business counseling.

I recommend: Consult SCORE for executives willing to advise you.

Albuquerque is offering help, too

The City of Albuquerque along with the city's Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and Sandia National Laboratories have joined together to create this compilation of information about the New Mexico's many business opportunities, including services for technology and film firms.

I recommend: Check out this information at the site for the city of Albuquerque.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
• •  Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
• •  Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
• •  The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
• •  Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.