The Aztec Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a $25,000 grant through the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s LEADS (Local Economic Assistance & Development Support) program to launch an initiative to assess and support local businesses.
The Aztec project is one of 12 economic development initiatives across 11 New Mexico counties receiving a share of over $263,000 in LEADS funding for fiscal year 2027, with individual grants ranging from $19,500 to $25,000, according to a news release.
The funding is the first grant of its kind the chamber has received since it was reestablished in 2023.
The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning the state will release the funds after the chamber organizes and presents the finished project.
“LEADS Grants offer us a unique opportunity to invest directly into communities, large and small,” Rob Black, Economic Development Department cabinet secretary, in a news release. “These projects lead to real, tangible improvements that strengthen local businesses, attract new employers and enhance the experience of residents and visitors alike.
Under the new Business Retention and Expansion Program and regional alignment initiative, the chamber will conduct a community-wide needs assessment survey of approximately 75 local businesses.
The effort will also include one-on-one visits with 40 area businesses to identify operational challenges and connect owners to existing resources.
“We really want them to see us as a hub for information, as a place to help them,” Hannah Browning, Aztec Chamber of Commerce executive director, said. “We want to really hear the struggles that they’re dealing with.”
According to the project timeline, program design will take place through August. The chamber will conduct the business surveys from late August through October, followed by the one-on-one business retention visits through December.
In early 2027, the chamber will compile the gathered data into a formal report to share with the city of Aztec, the chamber board, and regional partners, including the Small Business Development Center in Farmington. The chamber then plans to host a collaborative session with those regional partners in April and May of 2027 to align on economic priorities.
Browning said many of Aztec’s small businesses operate with very small staffs, making it difficult for owners to find the funding or navigate the administrative processes required to hire additional personnel. Because of these staffing constraints, business owners are often unable to leave their shops during the day to attend regional educational or networking events.
“They’re usually the ones that are running the show entirely, and it’s impossible for them to step away,” Browning said.
The initiative is creating a transition for the chamber, which has focused heavily on organizing community events over the past year. While those events will continue, Browning said the chamber hopes to leverage its engaged audience to provide more direct business services, resources and education.
The chamber was first approached about the LEADS program in May by Rebecca Hansana, a representative with the New Mexico Economic Development Department. Despite initial concerns about administrative capacity, the chamber board decided to apply, subsequently presenting its proposal to the state board to secure the award.
Browning expressed hope that the data collected will eventually help lower barriers for individuals looking to start new small businesses in the area.
“For the state to acknowledge the work that we’re doing is so nice,” Browning said. “It’s so nice to be seen on higher levels and to have that support financially from our government agencies. It makes a big difference for us.”
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