New Mexico Community Capital

New Mexico Community Capital (NMCC) is a private, non-profit organization that offers a continuum of programs and services for emerging entrepreneurs, Native-owned businesses, tribal governments, and those wanting to increase their financial literacy skills. Mentoring and knowledge sharing is used extensively by NMCC to provide results-driven, culturally competent, financial and business technical assistance programs. The Native Entrepreneur in Residence (NEIR) program is NMCC’s flagship program and serves as a launchpad for Native business owners that seek to move forward in their endeavors. More than 30 graduates have gone through the 6-month intensive, creating more than 128+ jobs, and creating more than $8.5 million of revenue, much of which is circulated through the local communities. The NEIR program has supported people from 20 tribes in 5 states. We’ve also seen the development of the “Community of Practice,” a rich community of participants and supporters of current and graduated members of NEIR. NMCC assists families become more knowledgeable and empowered through the Financial and Business Basics course offered to tribal communities. Participants create household budgets, personal debt and/or savings plans, and some focus on developing pitches for early stage businesses. NMCC offers business guidance, mentorship, and services to tribal governments and economies bringing economic diversification of revenue streams, growth, and sustainability. NMCC also offers focused mentorship programs that train tribal employees in project management, skills that can be directly applied to jobs on their reservations. This is complemented by the “Train the Trainor” program, one that prepares those who have participated in the financial literacy courses as future educators of the program. NMCC is committed to increase the economic security of Native American families, tribal governments, and entrepreneurs through self-reliance and sound financial management.