SANTA FE, May 12, 2022 — The Santa Fe Governing Body has approved the dispersal of the first two grants eligible for funding this year under the state’s Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) program. LEDA grants are comprised of City and State funding to provide resources to locally owned businesses that are poised to expand operations and increase their contributions to the economy.  

Last month, the first LEDA grant of 2022 by Santa Fe awarded $25,000 from the City's economic development fund to Earth Traveler, a local manufacturer of modern teardrop trailers. Paired with a $100,000 grant from the State of New Mexico, the funding will assist the local company in expanding general operations, which will result in the hiring of additional employees. 

Last night the Governing Body voted to approve the program’s second local grant to Beck & Bulow, a local butcher and national delivery service specializing in high-quality meat and fish. The City’s $50,000 will pair with a $250,000 grant from the state to expand Beck and Bulow’s local warehouse facility and increase its workforce.

Earth Traveler and Beck and Bulow are the first of several local businesses set to receive state LEDA funding with City contributions. The grant fund is available to eligible local businesses ready to expand nationally with a capital investment in an array of industries from manufacturing to advanced technology to food innovation.

“The grant fund, which is essentially a job creation and infrastructure fund, not only offers local businesses a hand up as they grow, it helps to further diversify our local economy,” says City Community and Economic Development Director Rich Brown. “We’re excited to invest in these businesses and to watch them expand and reach their full potential right here in Santa Fe.”

Mayor Alan Webber says: “We need innovative startups to grow our economy and create new job opportunities for our residents. Supporting these small businesses is good for our economy and good for our community. It’s how we build, grow and diversify our economic future.”

Earth Traveler’s co-founder Laura Esteves De Irlanda says the cash infusion will not only help the company expand production of their innovative, ultralight teardrop camping trailers, it will also contribute to the state’s goals for expanding outdoor recreation. 

“A lot of our business right now is coming in from out of state – especially Texas and Colorado,” she says. “People seem very happy to drive to Santa Fe to pick up their teardrop trailer. And then many of them go off to explore our beautiful state. So we’re bringing dollars into New Mexico from out of state, and promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in the process.” 

Both Earth Traveler and Beck & Bulow have also received Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funding from the New Mexico Economic Development Department to offer workers paid training at a living wage.

“Beck & Bulow is committed to providing jobs for New Mexico and making Santa Fe an international culinary destination,” company CEO Tony Beck said.