small business

The pandemic has been disastrous for many small business owners, but especially for those who opened in the middle of public health orders and lockdowns. Diego Diaz and his family opened Tio David’s Peruvian Flavor last May in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill. But because they didn’t open before February 2020, they were not eligible for any of the COVID-related federal loans or grants for businesses. He has started a crowdfunding campaign for the restaurant.

In episode 38, we're talking about the state's small businesses struggling to hang on during the shutdown and what resources they can find from government. We also try and find out what the holdup is with the federal relief money destined for the state's businesses. 

A South Valley business owner got an early wake up call from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s office this weekend. A car ran into three storefronts, and he says the repairs will cost thousands. 

Let's Talk New Mexico 6/29 8a: When the weekend rolls around, New Mexicans have many options for entertainment and fun. Festivals offer up an opportunity to break out of the weekend monotony of movies and restaurants. Fermented foods, lavender, Greek culture, and of course hot air balloons are just a few items on the New Mexico festival menu. 

Oil and gas drilling and mining companies come to rural areas offering jobs and cash, but they also dig into the land, pull resources out of it and create pollution. There are some folks in these regions who say the trade off isn’t fair in the long run. One organization is working on the Navajo Nation to stabilize the boom-and-bust economy of extraction by boosting local entrepreneurs and small business.

The question before Albuquerque voters on the ballot tomorrow: Should all employees be able to earn an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours they work? Advocates who help people experiencing violence at home say it’s crucial.

KUNM Call In Show 7/28 8a: New Mexico’s economy is struggling, particularly as energy prices remain low. That has brought job losses and shrinking revenues. Our unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the country. What is hampering New Mexico from diversifying its economy? What are the strengths in our communities that we can tap to grow our existing businesses, while helping new companies launch? 

KUNM Call In Show 4/23 8a:  

The sun shines most days of the year in New Mexico. How can we harness that power for our energy needs? What does it take to set up a solar power system for a home or business? What are the costs and benefits? How much money could be saved over time?

We'd like to hear from you! Email callinshow@kunm.org, post your comments online or call in live during the show. 

Panelists:

Each week we take a look at business news from around the state.  KUNM’s Elaine Baumgartel spoke with Megan Kamerick, Senior Reporter with the New Mexico Business Weekly.