Tribal entrepreneurship program partners with state of NM

A University of New Mexico tribal entrepreneurship program is partnering with a state of New Mexico agency to share data, promote events and complete other collaborative work.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, or JEDI office, announced last week it had reached an agreement with the UNM Rainforest Innovations New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program, or NMTEEP, for a two-year project aimed at advancing underserved business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the state, according to the Economic Development Department.

The memorandum of understanding says the two entities will share resources, jointly organize events together, work together on marketing efforts and share relevant data with one another, among other terms of the agreement. There are no financial transactions included as part of the agreement.

“UNM Rainforest Innovations is excited to collaborate with the JEDI Office in our shared mission of supporting entrepreneurs in tribal communities and those affected by coal mine closures,” Cecilia Pacheco, the NMTEEP program manager, said in a statement. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact on economic development and entrepreneurship in New Mexico.”

NMTEEP focuses on expanding entrepreneurial training in rural New Mexico, specifically in tribal communities and in areas that have been affected by closing coal mines.

“The partnership between the JEDI Office and NMTEEP represents an opportunity to further the goals of both programs,” said Jon Clark, the deputy secretary of the EDD. “By working together, we aim to empower underserved business owners and entrepreneurs, eliminate barriers to success, and promote equitable economic opportunities for all New Mexicans.”