WESST is a statewide small business development and training organization committed to growing New Mexicos economy by cultivating entrepreneurship. Founded in 1989 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit by two PNM executives, Joellyn Murphy and Carol Radosevich, and an initial Executive Director, Jessica Glicken, WESST has nurtured the entrepreneurial dreams of thousands of New Mexicans by providing training, technical assistance and access to capital.

In 1994, WESST expanded from its single location in Albuquerque to its current statewide structure. Today, our small business development and training network includes Enterprise Centers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Farmington, New Mexico. Each of WESSTs six Enterprise Centers are funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration through its Womens Business Center program.

Our Clients

Over a period that spans two decades, WESST has assisted a diverse roster of clients at every stage of business. Historically, we have focused on transforming peoples lives and creating a pathway out of poverty by helping low-income women and minorities achieve financial self-sufficiency through sustained self-employment. WESST is distinguished in New Mexico as the only organization offering long-term, comprehensive training, technical assistance and loans specifically targeted to low-income women and minorities. WESST is also among a handful of economic development organizations across the country that hosts a network of Womens Business Centers. Each of our six regional Enterprise Centers located throughout New Mexico offers special training and consulting programs geared to (but not limited to) aspiring or established women business owners.