In the heart of downtown Las Cruces, a vibrant and dynamic community is blossoming, driven by the passion and innovation of local entrepreneurs. At the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, we are committed to fostering this growth by providing essential support and resources to small businesses. One of the key ways we do this is through our microloan program, which recently awarded a $5,000 microloan to Cassie Williams for her new venture, the Las Cruces Prep Kitchen.
Microloans are a powerful tool in economic development, particularly in communities like ours. They offer critical financial assistance to small businesses that might not yet qualify for traditional bank loans. These funds can be the difference between a business idea remaining a dream and becoming a reality. For Cassie Williams, the microloan means she can purchase the final pieces of equipment needed to open the doors of her prep kitchen and begin serving our community.
The Las Cruces Prep Kitchen is more than just a new business; it is an essential service for local food entrepreneurs. Providing commercial kitchen space enables businesses to prepare food in a fully equipped, licensed environment, ensuring they meet health and safety regulations. This support is crucial for startups and small food businesses that might otherwise struggle with the high costs of setting up their own commercial kitchens.
The funds for our microloan program are made possible through a generous grant from the McCune Fund. With a simple interest rate of 3 percent APR, the interest earned is reinvested into the loan fund, ensuring that we can continue to support new businesses year after year. Our goal is to award one microloan annually to a district business, contributing to the ongoing economic vitality of downtown Las Cruces.
Cassie Williams’ story is a testiment to the impact of community support. Her vision for the Las Cruces Prep Kitchen aligns perfectly with DLCP’s mission to foster local business growth and sustainability. By supporting her, we are not only helping one business owner but also creating opportunities for numerous other food entrepreneurs who will use the prep kitchen to launch and grow their own ventures.
The presentation of the microloan at the B2B Quick Connect business fair on June 14 was a proud moment for all involved. It highlighted the collaborative spirit of our community and the dedication of organizations like DLCP to nurture and support local talent.
As we continue to develop and expand our microloan program, we invite everyone to learn more about DLCP, our events, and our programming. Visit us at DowntownLasCruces.org or email us at director@dlcp.org for more information.
Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient downtown Las Cruces, where entrepreneurs like Cassie Williams can thrive. Let’s continue to invest in our local businesses and watch our community flourish.
John Muñoz is the board chair of the nonprofit Downtown Las Cruces Partners
