Defend ABQ: City Standing Up for Minority Businesses as Federal Cuts Continue
ALBUQUERQUE – The Trump administration has taken another swing at New Mexico’s diverse business community, this time by terminating federal funding for the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA), a vital hub for minority- and women-owned businesses. Despite this harmful decision, the City of Albuquerque will continue operating the Business Resource Center, which has housed both the Small Business Office and the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency Business Center.
While most MBDA Centers nationwide received official letters notifying them of the federal government’s decision to cut funding, the New Mexico MBDA Center did not receive a formal Termination Notice. Instead, the federal agency withdrew the grant funds directly through the portal, rendering the grant inaccessible and effectively terminating the program. The cut will force NM MBDA operations to halt, stripping away access to high-level contracting and capital support services that have empowered hundreds of local entrepreneurs. Over the past three years, the NM MBDA served more than 600 businesses, helped generate over $230 million in gross revenue, and supported the creation or retention of nearly 7,500 jobs across New Mexico.
Since its founding, the NM MBDA has played a critical role in providing tailored one-on-one consulting, contract procurement guidance, and assistance in accessing capital for minority-owned businesses. Its closure will immediately impact hundreds of business owners seeking to grow, hire, and thrive in New Mexico’s economy.
The total immediate financial loss amounts to $645,487.58—comprising $270,487.58 left for the remainder of this year and $375,000 anticipated for next year. This is yet another consequence of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to roll back support for underrepresented communities.
“Donald Trump just sent a message to every minority business owner in New Mexico: you’re on your own,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This shutdown isn’t about saving money, it’s about silencing progress. But here in Albuquerque, we won’t back down. We’ll keep fighting for every small business that’s been pushed aside by this administration.”
The NM MBDA was also forced to end contracts with ten local partners, including small businesses and chambers of commerce. These partners provided critical services such as grant administration, federal contracting support, and translation services. The loss of these professional services will lead to slower response times—particularly when local businesses need support the most. In addition, they are losing two dedicated staff members who were instrumental in rebuilding the MBDA in New Mexico and supporting the business community in countless ways.
“This agency has been a critical partner in helping our local entrepreneurs access capital, build capacity, and create jobs,” said Ernie C’de Baca, President and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. "The Hispano Chamber stands firmly with the City of Albuquerque’s Minority Business Development Agency’s Business Center in continuing to support our diverse business community—because our local economy is strongest when opportunity is accessible to everyone."
"As a small business owner, it would have been very difficult to afford the services that the NM MBDA provided—like promotional videos, social media assistance, and business plans," said Claudia Zamora, Owner of Citza Designs. "Those resources gave my business a polished, professional image and helped me reach new customers in ways I never thought possible. The NM MBDA also connected me with other small businesses, helping build a stronger community. Their belief in my potential made all the difference. Losing this program means future entrepreneurs will miss out on the same opportunities that helped businesses like mine grow and thrive."While the NM MBDA is now closing due to the loss of federal funding, the Small Business Office will remain fully operational. Local entrepreneurs can still access a wide range of free services at the center, including one-on-one advising, business seminars, and support programs to help their businesses grow and succeed.
“From slashing support for seniors and pulling grants for public safety, to now shutting down economic opportunity for communities of color—Trump’s playbook is cruel and predictable” said Economic Development Director Max Gruner. “But we’ll keep our doors open, because that’s who we are.”
The Small Business Office will continue to assist entrepreneurs with licensing help, startup resources, technical assistance, and connections to local programs—ensuring that Albuquerque remains a city where everyone has a chance to succeed.
To learn more or access services, visit cabq.gov/economicdevelopment or stop by the Business Resource Center at 700 4th St SW.