Two Las Cruces Entrepreneurs Awarded Via New Statewide Capital-Readiness Cohort

SANTA FE — Two Las Cruces businesses are among the 20 small companies selected for New Mexico’s first-ever Capital Connect cohort, a new statewide initiative designed to break down long‑standing barriers to financing for very small, minority-owned, and rural enterprises.

FAMCo Inc. and INTTRA A to Z Language Consulting Services, Inc. will represent Doña Ana County in the inaugural group, positioning Las Cruces as a key player in the state’s push to expand equitable access to capital. The program, launched by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), is fully bilingual and tailored to meet entrepreneurs where they are—financially, linguistically, and geographically.

“These 20 companies reflect the innovation, determination, and cultural diversity that make New Mexico such a strong place to do business,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “Capital Connect is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, in the language they prefer, and give them the tools they need to grow.”

A Bilingual Program Built for Real-World Barriers

Capital Connect is led by EDD’s Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Office and delivered in partnership with Revby, a national consulting firm specializing in small-business growth and capital readiness.

For JEDI Office Coordinator Rita Veleta, making the program bilingual wasn’t an enhancement—it was a requirement.

“Making Capital Connect fully bilingual was never up for debate; it was essential from the start,” Veleta said. “This approach isn’t just about language access. It’s about making sure entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and equipped to grow their business.”

What Participants Receive

Beginning in January 2026, each business will receive three months of free, hands-on support valued at more than $4,000 per company. Services include:

• Group workshops

• One-on-one financial technical assistance

• Bookkeeping and financial planning support

• Loan-readiness preparation

• A fully bilingual learning environment with instruction and peer engagement in English and Spanish

The 20 Businesses Selected

The cohort reflects a cross-section of New Mexico’s entrepreneurial landscape, with a focus on very small firms (fewer than 10 employees), minority-owned businesses, and rural communities:

• 123 Child Development Center Inc., Albuquerque

• Andino Mini Market LLC, Santa Fe

• BodySculptNM, Albuquerque

• Calclo LLC, Artesia

• Casa Cocktails LLC, Albuquerque

• Chocolate Dreams Pastries, Albuquerque

• Dulce Tradicion LLC, Albuquerque

• FAMCo Inc., Las Cruces

• Fiori e Sale, Los Alamos

• Flyby Holding/Flyby Provisions, Albuquerque

• INTTRA A to Z, Language Consulting Services, Inc., Las Cruces

• J’s Heaven, dba Duke City Herbs, Albuquerque

• New Mexico Pack Burros LLC, Edgewood

• Pequenas Sonrisas, Albuquerque

• Red Root Acupuncture & Herbs LLC, Albuquerque

• Sage Botanical Ltd, Santa Fe

• Trzato Esthetics LLC, dba The Male Room, Santa Fe

• Wendy Gallegos M.A. LLC, dba Bosque Hearing, Corrales

• West Coast Automated Systems LLC, Albuquerque

• Wilder Gardens LLC, Albuquerque

A Statewide Investment With Local Impact

For Las Cruces, the inclusion of FAMCo and INTTRA signals a growing recognition of the region’s entrepreneurial strength—particularly in sectors tied to education, language access, and community-centered services. As the state continues to invest in capital-readiness infrastructure, southern New Mexico’s role in shaping a more equitable business landscape is becoming increasingly visible.

More information about Capital Connect is available at edd.newmexico.gov/capital-connect.

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