Sunport launches new retail program for local artisans, small businesses

Do you sell pre-packaged foods? Maybe handcrafted gifts? Or travel essentials?

And more importantly, are you an established or evolving small business?

Well, there may be new opportunities for you. The Albuquerque International Sunport is looking for small businesses — particularly those that are local, regional and minority-owned — to participate in its inaugural ASCEND ABQ retail kiosk program, an effort officials say will create a more vibrant and diverse shopping experience at the state’s largest airport.

The program comes as the Sunport is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation that is, ultimately, beefing up retail offerings and making needed improvements to infrastructure. The Sunport has targeted the project completion for the end of this year.

As part of the ASCEND ABQ program, which will launch an application portal this spring, Sunport officials are hosting an information session this Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Old Albuquerque Municipal Airport Building, 2920 Yale SE. Businesses can RSVP at abqsunportbiz.com/ascend.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to partner with local businesses to market products and services that are unique to New Mexico,” Aviation Department Director Richard McCurley said in a statement. “We look forward to mentoring small businesses through this specialty retail program and, ultimately, helping them expand and succeed.”

The program, according to Sunport officials, will ultimately allow small businesses to operate a no-cost kiosk or retail merchandising unit for up to one year. Program participants will receive business training and resources and a stand placed in a high exposure area of the airport.

In addition, the ASCEND ABQ program will provide space to businesses looking to offer seasonal merchandise and feature a “Co-Op” kiosk that showcases four unique businesses.

“The ‘Co-Op’ is an opportunity for smaller retail business owners — for example, those selling at the ABQ Rail Yards, farmers’ markets, or similar venues — to market their products at the Sunport,” the news release said.