One of the outcomes of the New Mexico special session held before Thanksgiving was the creation of the CARES Continuity Grant program, which is offering $100 million in federal dollars to New Mexico small businesses. This funding is in addition to the previous CARES Act funding, and there will be a new application process being administered through the New Mexico Finance Authority. We want to make sure the small businesses in Carlsbad and Eddy County receive their fair share and we will share all information as soon as it becomes available. We understand applications will open the week of Dec. 7.
Information about this grant will be posted on the New Mexico Finance Authority page: https://www.nmfinance.com/cares-continuity-grants/
There’s also a request form to make sure you have all information sent directly to you: https://newmexicofinanceauthority.formstack.com/forms/sbcg_information_request_form
If you are having difficulty with the online form, please call (505) 984-1454 or email CARES@nmfa.net. The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Department of Development and Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will also be happy to assist you in any way possible.
There will also be a webinar at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department explaining this process. You can register here https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4162027955441727759. For more information, please email Johanna.nelson@state.nm.us or call (505) 469-6204.
The applications from the previous CARES phase are currently being reviewed by a local committee. For this phase, the City of Carlsbad was allocated federal funds to provide eligible businesses with grants to reimburse expenses. The Carlsbad Department of Development has been managing the application process for these funds, as well as a similar program for Eddy County businesses operating outside of city limits. These grants do not resolve the problems these businesses are facing, but they help.
Deena Antiporda and the Inspired by Science group are busy again. Free camp kits for the winter science program are available to registered participants to pick up in Carlsbad and neighboring communities. The free camp is self-paced and will run Dec. 12 through Dec. 31. The deadline for registration is Dec. 3, so please visit www.inspiredbyscience.org today to register. Thanks again to Deena, her volunteers and the many sponsors who make this program possible.
Please take a few moments to drive around town this week to check out some of the wonderful Christmas light decorations. Make sure to visit the Pecos River Village Conference Center and the Halagueno Arts Park. We’re very proud of the beautiful decorations set up at both locations and have received positive feedback about both.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway