Start off with a starting out guide

The New Mexico Small Business Development Center network has published a 41-page guide to help you get your new business started. This informative pamphlet, which can be downloaded, covers a wide variety of topics critical to small business owners, including licensing, financial assistance, counseling and business planning.

I recommend: Start out on the right foot at the New Mexico SBDC Network.

Check in with the Small Business Development Center Network

With local centers in 19 communities around the state, and the lead center in Santa Fe, this network is available to give you free confidential assistance and counseling in all the key phases of your business operation, from start up to expansion.

I recommend: Get help at Nmsbdc.org.

Learn about New Mexico's business climate

The New Mexico Economic Development Department's online data center is the central clearing house for demographic, economic and socio-economic information about the state. It has maps, county-by-county comparisons and downloadable fact book on the state.

I recommend: Learn about New Mexico at the state's Economic Development Department.

Discover business development opportunities in New Mexico

The Metro New Mexico Development Alliance is a statewide organization dedicated to helping business start and expand their operations in the state. The alliance offers information about the state as well as referrals to funding sources, labor pools and local business development incentives.

I recommend: Get helpful information about New Mexico at NMsitesearch.com.

Get answers to your questions

Answers, not more information, says the Business Utility Zone Gateway, is what you'll find at this website which offers detailed lists of resources helpful to the small business owner or anyone considering opening a small business in the state.

I recommend: See what's available at Buzgate.

Seek advice from local Chambers of Commerce

Before opening a business, be sure to talk to people who live and work in the community. One of the best places to start is the local Chamber of Commerce.

I recommend: Consult Global Index for a list of the chambers throughout the state.

Consult with Uncle Sam about running a small business in New Mexico

The U.S. Small Business Administration has a full range of services available in New Mexico, both on line, and at its district office in Albuquerque.

I recommend: Go to the SBA's site for a list of services in New Mexico.

Get advice from seasoned executives

SCORE, the non-profit association of retired business executives, has three branches in New Mexico offering both face-to-face and email business counseling.

I recommend: Consult SCORE for executives willing to advise you.

Albuquerque is offering help, too

The City of Albuquerque along with the city's Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and Sandia National Laboratories have joined together to create this compilation of information about the New Mexico's many business opportunities, including services for technology and film firms.

I recommend: Check out this information at the site for the city of Albuquerque.