New Mexico Innovation Expo: A resource universe for businesses

Businesses that partner with our organization tend to also connect with other economic development resources such as a Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) — and the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program (NMSBA). New Mexico entrepreneurs can explore this resource universe at the New Mexico Innovation Expo on April 19 in Albuquerque. Hosted by the NMSBA program and NMMEP, the event introduces inventors and innovators to what NMSBA offers and how the program can help businesses succeed.

Created by the state Legislature in 2000, NMSBA underwrites up to $20,000 in technical assistance at no cost to small businesses outside Bernalillo County (and up to $10,000 if they are in Bernalillo County). NMSBA partners with educational and government entities, including the University of New Mexico’s engineering program and school of management and New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center business accelerator. It connects business owners with national laboratory scientists who can help them overcome technical obstacles, and it collaborates with NMMEP to provide quality and lean manufacturing training.

The Innovation Expo features a resource fair where business owners can engage with resource providers and network with other small businesses; a Eureka Effect session where entrepreneurs can meet one-on-one (pre-arranged through event registration) with a Sandia or LANL scientist; a reception for networking and a celebration of the 2017 NMSBA success-story participants. The event takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. April 19, at Lobo Rainforest, 101 Broadway Blvd. N.E., Albuquerque. Register at: https://nminnovationexpo.splashthat.com/.

For more information about NMSBA, visit http://www.nmsbaprogram.org/.