WESST In the News

Ron Midgett opened New Earth Orchids out of a greenhouse in September 2010. A little over a year later, his orchid business is thriving. How has he been able to turn a profit during one of the nation’s worst economic downturns that has hit many New Mexico businesses particularly hard? Midgett attributes much of his company’s success to the assistance he received from various local economic development organizations.

Many small-scale artist-entrepreneurs never consider the underlying costs of getting their product or service to market. In this article, Kim Blueher, WESST’s Director of Lending, explains how WESST works with small-scale producers to help them add up the true costs of doing business and why understanding the pricing model of a business is one of the best investments a business owner can make.

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner and USDA Rural Housing Administrator announced today that WESST will receive two grants and a loan from USDA Rural Development totaling more than $675,000 for the development of business opportunities in rural New Mexico.

Business incubators provide fledgling startups with training, counseling, facilities, office space and access to funding. Here, CNN Money profiles “7 Hot Startup Incubators” — and the WESST Enterprise Center gets top billing.

Four local women were honored at the 12th annual Roswell Women’s History Month Celebration brunch at the Roswell Museum and Art Center, Saturday morning.

New Mexico agency helps women-owned firms chart path to success with training, resources and essential support.

WESST Enterprise Center provides support and resources that help accelerate growth during the start-up phase and encourage long-term success.

Financial Literacy Program offered by WESST helps nourish local catering business.

WESST is having a coming-of-age moment this week. The nonprofit that helps business start and grow is celebrating its 21st birthday with a big bash Wednesday in an event that includes speakers, music, door prizes, food, birthday cake — and, of course, wine and a champagne toast.

The Allstate Foundation is giving WESST $25,000 for its Individual Development Account program. An IDA is a matched savings account designed to help families accumulate assets for a down payment on a home, purchase business assets or pay for post-secondary education.