BY JANICE KRISH
Director
SBDC–Los Alamos
Recently, I provided the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation Board with an update on the impact of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Los Alamos. It was suggested that we also share these results with the broader community and recognize what has been accomplished collectively.
For the smallest county in New Mexico, the results are notable and top tier when measured statewide.
In 2025, the SBDC–Los Alamos assisted in the launch of 10 new small businesses; more than triple the state benchmark set of three business starts for our county. In total, 80 clients were served, exceeding the annual benchmark of 58. These efforts contributed to the creation of 13 new jobs.
While additional businesses were started independently, these figures reflect those entrepreneurs who sought SBDC assistance and formally reported their business start.
The Numbers Tell a Story
These outcomes represent more than statistics; they reflect dreams made into reality, capital invested, entrepreneurs empowered across our mesa-top community. It speaks of the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in Los Alamos County, and despite challenges, businesses here are finding a way to start.
When a business is launched, professional services are engaged, suppliers are utilized, and dollars begin circulating within our community. It has a domino effect for others to follow and make it happen, too.
What Do the New Businesses Look Like?
While client confidentiality is always maintained at the SBDC, the industry breakdown of new businesses started in 2025 includes:
•3 Science/Technology
•2 Arts/Creative
•2 Food/Beverage
•2 Healthcare/Social Services
•1 Personal Care Service
Eighty percent of the new businesses are home-based. All qualify as microbusinesses and were established as LLCs. This trend reflects the limited availability of commercial space for startups to launch and scale.
There also continues to be a noticeable shortage of entrepreneurs pursuing retail or visitor-related businesses. Developing this segment remains an opportunity to enhance the local economy and vibrancy.
Current Business Climate
Local businesses continue to face workforce limitations, rising operational costs, and seasonal slowdowns. Winter months can be challenging. That makes community support especially critical during this time of year.
Hire a local consultant, purchase a gift downtown, or book a service with a small provider to help sustain these businesses.
Focus Areas for 2026
The SBDC–Los Alamos remains committed to strengthening economic impact in the year ahead.
Priorities include:
•Identifying commercial kitchen space to incubate and scale food-based businesses.
•Expanding the local retail economy.
•Supporting entrepreneurs in accessing retail LEDA grant funds.
•Offering training programs that build technical competence and create a mindset for entrepreneurs to Start Small but Think Big.
The 2025 results show that when businesses receive targeted support and when the community engages intentionally, success follows. 2026 is already building on this momentum!
For no-cost assistance starting, expanding, or strengthening your small business, contact NMSBDC–Los Alamos Director Janice Krish at jkrish@unm.edu.