by Rodd Cayton
Mayor Tim Keller said a Donald Trump administration action terminating federal funding for a local business assistance organization is an attack on New Mexico’s diversity.
Keller has been vocal about actions from the Trump administration he said are harming the city.
City officials say the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA) found out that its federal aid had been pulled when staff attempted Friday to access the finding and learned it had been deauthorized. NM MBDA is a hub for minority- and women-owned companies in the state.
Center director Gabriela Marques said Wednesday her staff lost access to a system used to track transitions related to the grant, but wasn’t told that the funding would be withheld.
She said the agency later received a letter from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that said the grants for the center were among those being reviewed.
“That was our clue to start shutting some things down,” Marques said.
Over the past three years, according to a news release from Keller’s office, the NM MBDA has 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.
The release says the agency’s operations will come to a halt, stripping away access to high-level contracting and capital support services that have empowered hundreds of local entrepreneurs.
The total immediate financial loss amounts to more than $645,000; $270,487 that had been awarded for the remainder of this fiscal 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,” the release said.
Keller’s office says the city 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.
“Donald Trump just sent a message to every minority business owner in New Mexico: you’re on your own,” Keller said. “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 provided services such as providing tailored one-on-one consulting, contract procurement guidance and assistance in obtaining capital, Keller’s office says. Its businesses. Its closure reportedly will immediately hinder the efforts of hundreds of business owners seeking to grow, hire, and thrive in New Mexico’s economy.
The agency also held contracts with 10 local partners, including small businesses and chambers of commerce, that provided services such as grant administration, federal contracting assistance and translation.
“This agency has been a critical partner in helping our local entrepreneurs access capital, build capacity, and create jobs,” Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ernie C’de Baca said. “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.”
Claudia Zamora, owner of Citza Designs, said it would have been difficult for her business to afford the services that the NM MBDA provided, including promotional, videos, social media assistance, and business plans.
“Those resources gave my business a polished, professional image and helped me reach new customers in ways I never thought possible,” Zamora said. “Losing this program means future entrepreneurs will miss out on the same opportunities that helped businesses like mine grow and thrive.”
Marques said the news was disappointing at a time when the NM MBDA was helping more business owners and expanding across the state.
“There are other organizations that help, but everybody’s stretched thin,” she said. “This is a blow to the economy of New Mexico.”
Max Gruner, the city’s economic development director, said the latest cuts continue a trend of the federal government making decisions that threaten the well-being of Albuquerque.
“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,” Gruner said. “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.
More information on the Small Business Office is available here. Those interested in learning more may also stop by the Business Resource Center at 700 4th St SW.
Good luck with all of the whining, Timmy! So many of us hope we get rid of you this year! You are the worst mayor ever.