Heinrich, Luján Welcome Nearly $400,000 To Support Digital, Online Skill Training For Native-Owned Enterprises

Press Release

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are welcoming an announcement from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) that $397,535 will be heading to New Mexico Community Capital (NMCC) in Albuquerque to support a digital and online skill training program for Native-owned enterprises.

The funding will support New Mexico Community Capital's Stabilizing Native Enterprises with Digital Skills and Online Markets program. The program, also known as, Digital Media and Marketing Basics, is designed to equip Native entrepreneurs with digital media and online marketing skills. Through this effort, NMCC expects to see collaborative partnership opportunities with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, New Mexico State University and Native Women Lead, among others.

"Bridging the digital divide for Native-owned businesses can be accelerated with skill training programs from local partners like New Mexico Community Capital," said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. "That's why I'm proud to support this funding so that more Native-owned enterprises can develop the skills necessary to establish a successful digital presence."

"Having an online presence is essential for any modern business -- especially in the age of COVID. As our economy recovers, business owners who are unable to compete digitally risk being left out," said Luján. "This critical investment in New Mexico Community Capital will help Native entrepreneurs and business owners compete in the online world and give New Mexico businesses an edge as our economy recovers and our communities rebuild from the pandemic."

"NMCC will be able to leverage powerful partnerships with Google and the National Congress of American Indians to bring cloud-based tech training, access to new online markets, and other cutting edge-tools to Native-owned enterprises in central and northern New Mexico. We are so grateful for the opportunity to empower and strengthen Native-owned businesses during this critical time," said Liz Gamboa, executive director of NMCC.

In the spring of 2020, New Mexico Community Capital launched IndigiExchange. This is an online marketplace for the 100+ Native entrepreneurs who went through NMCC programs and needed help getting online since they could not sell products in-person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Mexico Community Capital provides a variety of classes and programs for Native-owned businesses and Tribal enterprises. For more information, please contact Executive Director, Liz Gamboa, by telephone at (505) 924-2820, or by email at liz@nmccap.org.

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