WESST Information

WESST is a statewide small business development and training organization committed to growing New Mexico’s economy by cultivating entrepreneurship. Founded in 1988 as a 501(c)3 non profit, WESST has nurtured the entrepreneurial dreams of thousands of New Mexicans by providing training, business consulting, and microloans to entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Our small business development and training network includes Enterprise Centers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Farmington, New Mexico. Each of WESST’s six Enterprise Centers are funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration through its Women’s Business Center program. Over two decades, WESST has assisted a diverse roster of clients at every stage of business. Historically, we have focused on transforming people’s lives and creating a pathway out of poverty by helping low-income women and minorities achieve financial self-sufficiency through sustained self-employment. WESST is distinguished in New Mexico as the only organization offering long-term, comprehensive training, technical assistance and loans specifically targeted to low-income women and minorities. WESST is also among a handful of economic development organizations across the country that hosts a network of Women’s Business Centers. Each of our six regional Enterprise Centers located throughout New Mexico offers special training and consulting programs geared to (but not limited to) aspiring or established women business owners.