Grow Your Business
Santa Fe is here for entrepreneurs—at every stage.
Whether you're just launching, looking to grow, exploring new markets, or preparing to scale or sell, the City of Santa Fe offers a wide range of resources to help you move forward. From business planning to funding and mentorship, we’re here to support your next step.
Start Your Business
- Local Business License–Every new business in Santa Fe requires a license from the City that authorizes you to do what you do and be in compliance. Our quarterly Santa Fe Business 101 workshops are the best way to learn about the ins and outs of starting a business.
- Business Navigator Program with Arrowhead Center
Startups can lean on the support of the Business Navigator Program, a vital collaboration between the City of Santa Fe’s Office of Economic Development department and New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center. - New Mexico Secretary of State
- NMEDD Entrepreneurial Map
Ready to Grow
Government Contract and Procurement Opportunities
- If you want to do business with the City of Santa Fe, subscribe to receive emails about contract work.
- State of New Mexico
- Santa Fe County
Tax Incentives–Review the wide array of competitive incentives for businesses that want to dig in and establish roots in the Land of Enchantment.
International Trade Opportunities
Business Finance Resources
Access to capital is key to starting, growing, and sustaining a business. The City of Santa Fe partners with state, regional, and Tribal programs to help connect businesses with funding opportunities, ranging from grants and incentives to technical assistance and access to lending.
New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) Programs
Administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, these statewide tools offer funding and support for business growth and job creation:
- Local Economic Development Act (LEDA)–Project-based funding for businesses creating economic-base jobs.
- Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP)–Covers a portion of wages and training costs for new employees.
- Collateral Assistance Program–Helps businesses qualify for loans by providing additional collateral support.
- State Finance Tools–Includes industrial revenue bonds, loan participation, and other development financing.
Local & Regional Resources
- Regional Development Corporation Micro-Grants–Early-stage grants for small businesses in northern New Mexico.
- Finance Fairs–Quarterly events connecting businesses to lenders, grant programs, and capital providers.
- Grants and Matching Funds–Local programs for equipment, marketing, or facility improvements.
- TEAMS Program–Technical assistance and mentorship matching for startups and small businesses.
- Tribal Business Support–In partnership with Tribal governments and the UNM Rainforest, supporting Native entrepreneurs.
Coming Soon
- SPUR Program–A business development tool under design to support project-ready growth.
- Crime Mitigation Grant–In development to help local businesses invest in safety-related improvements.
Networking Opportunities
We offer regular meetups designed to connect entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creative professionals. Whether you are looking to build connections in your industry or simply want to exchange ideas with others doing the work, our gatherings are built to foster meaningful collaboration. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with event opportunities.
Books Beyond the Business
In partnership with the Southside Library, Books Beyond the Business is a bi-monthly gathering that blends community reading with real-world business insight. Whether you’ve read the book or not, join us to explore big ideas, meet fellow entrepreneurs, and engage in open conversation about what it takes to start and sustain a business in Santa Fe.