๐Ÿ“‹ Free Tools for ABQ Business Owners

Every grant, program, and free resource in one place

We dug through every city, state, and federal program so you don't have to. If it helps Albuquerque business owners, it's here.

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Free Help & Consulting

Real people who will sit with you and help โ€” no charge

SCORE Albuquerque โ†—

Free one-on-one mentoring from experienced business owners. They also run workshops on everything from business plans to marketing. Completely free, completely confidential. Call (505) 248-8232 to get matched with a mentor.

Free Mentoring Workshops

NM Small Business Development Center (SBDC) โ†—

No-cost business consulting and low-cost training through CNM. They help with startup planning, marketing, business plans, and funding options. Serves Bernalillo and Sandoval counties.

Free Business Plans Funding Help

City of ABQ Small Business Office โ†—

The city's central point of entry for entrepreneurs. They'll help you navigate permitting, licensing, procurement, and connect you to the right people. Business Advisor Ken Jackson: (505) 520-5400.

Free Permitting City Programs

ABQ Public Library โ€” Business Resources โ†—

Your library card gets you free access to business databases, market research tools, and startup guides. They also host workshops and have a dedicated business librarian. Seriously underrated.

Free Research Databases
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Grants & Funding

Money you don't have to pay back

City of ABQ Startup Grants โ€” Up to $10,000 โ†—

One-time grants for startups in Albuquerque city limits with 50 or fewer employees. Competitive โ€” they get a lot of applicants โ€” but $10K with no strings attached is worth the effort.

Grant โ€” $10K Startups Competitive

NM Science & Technology Business Startup Grant โ†—

State-funded grants between $25,000 and $50,000 for businesses doing research and development of new products or technology in New Mexico.

Grant โ€” $25Kโ€“$50K R&D Tech

SBA New Mexico District Office โ†—

The federal Small Business Administration covers all 33 NM counties from their Albuquerque office at 500 Gold Ave SW. Loan programs, disaster relief, and grant opportunities. Start here if you're not sure where to start.

Free Guidance Loans Federal

Finance New Mexico โ†—

Connects entrepreneurs to funding resources across the state. They help you figure out what you qualify for and get your application ready โ€” whether it's a loan, equity investment, or grant.

Free Funding Navigator

New Mexico MainStreet Grants โ†—

Grants and opportunities for businesses in designated MainStreet districts. If your business is in a historic or revitalization area, check here first.

Grants Available MainStreet Districts
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Tax Credits & Incentives

Money you keep instead of sending to Santa Fe

High-Wage Jobs Tax Credit โ†—

A refundable credit equal to 8.5% of wages and benefits for each new job you create and keep for 44 weeks. Positions need to pay at least $60K/year in ABQ. Credit can be claimed for 4 years โ€” up to $12,750 per job, per year.

Tax Credit Hiring Up to $12,750/job

Job Creation Tax Credit โ†—

Up to $1,000 credit for each new job you create. Simpler and more accessible than the high-wage version โ€” good for businesses that are growing but not yet at the $60K salary tier.

Tax Credit Hiring $1,000/job

Technology Jobs & R&D Tax Credit โ†—

5% credit on qualified research expenditures (10% if you're in a rural area). Covers payroll, equipment, software, consultants, and more โ€” as long as the work happens in New Mexico.

Tax Credit R&D 5โ€“10%

Angel Investment Tax Credit โ†—

Encourages individuals to invest in NM startups by giving them a tax credit on their qualified investment. If you're raising money, this makes your pitch to local investors a lot stronger.

Tax Credit Fundraising Startups

Investment Credit for Manufacturers โ†—

5.125% credit on the value of qualified equipment. For every $750K of equipment, you add 1 employee. If you're buying machinery, tools, or production equipment in NM, this one's for you.

Tax Credit Manufacturing Equipment
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Community Organizations

People in ABQ who are in your corner

ABQ Economic Development Department โ†—

The city's economic development arm. They run programs, connect businesses to incentives, and are a good first call if you're thinking about expanding or relocating within Albuquerque.

Free City of ABQ

WESST โ†—

Business training, consulting, and microloans โ€” especially for women, minorities, veterans, and people with low income. They've been doing this across New Mexico for over 30 years.

Free Consulting Microloans Training

NM Community Loan Fund โ†—

A nonprofit that provides loans, training, and business consulting to entrepreneurs across the state. They specialize in working with business owners who might not qualify for traditional bank loans.

Loans Training Nonprofit

Know a resource we're missing?

We want this to be the most useful list in Albuquerque. If you know about a grant, program, or organization that should be here, tell us.

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