NM SBDC Business Essentials
Practical Training for Growing New Mexico Businesses
Live, interactive webinars on the topics every business owner needs—repeating on a schedule that works for everyone.
Successful businesses aren’t built on good ideas alone—they’re built on knowledge, skills, and sound decisions.
NM SBDC Business Essentials is New Mexico’s ongoing training program for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to build stronger, more successful businesses. Through a growing library of live, interactive webinars, you’ll gain practical knowledge you can put to work immediately—from validating a business idea and understanding your customers to marketing, financial management, taxes, and the essential skills every business owner needs.
Our webinars are offered on a rotating schedule, so you can join the sessions you need when it’s convenient for you—during the day or in the evening. Because topics are offered repeatedly, you can attend them as your business grows or revisit them whenever you need a refresher. Every live session also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and learn alongside fellow New Mexico business owners.
Business Essentials is designed to work hand-in-hand with NMSBDC’s personalized advising. Our online webinars build the essential knowledge and skills every business owner needs, while our confidential one-on-one advising helps you apply that knowledge to the unique opportunities and challenges of your own business. By developing a strong foundation through training before meeting with an advisor, you’ll make better use of your advising sessions, allowing us to provide more focused guidance while expanding our ability to serve entrepreneurs across New Mexico.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow an established business, NM SBDC Business Essentials provides the practical education to help you make better decisions, reduce costly mistakes, and build a stronger business with confidence.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for the NM SBDC Business Essentials webinars are made directly through Zoom by clicking the buttons in the boxes below
8 Step Strategy to Marketing Your Business
Learn a practical, repeatable 8-step framework to market your business online with confidence. In this webinar, you’ll:
- Discover how to define your brand
- Reach the right audience
- Set clear marketing goals
- Choose the right online platforms
- Create strategic content
- Post consistently
- Engage your community
- Measure what works
To get the most out of this training, participants should have at least one established online business profile, such as a Facebook Business Page, Instagram Business account, Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, or Website.
WHO IS THIS FOR: Designed for beginners, those already in business, and those who have at least some form of presence online, such as a business profile listing or social media page.
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Repeats every first Tuesday of the month
from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Next Class: Tuesday, August 4, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Understanding Gross Receipts Tax: What Every Business Needs to Know
Don’t let Gross Receipts Tax become a burden. GRT is one of the most important—and often most confusing—responsibilities of owning a business in New Mexico. Don’t fall behind. Gain the knowledge and confidence to manage your GRT responsibilities accurately and efficiently. In this webinar, you will learn:
- What GRT is and who is required to pay it
- How to register, file, and pay GRT correctly
- Common mistakes that can lead to penalties or unnecessary stress
- Best practices for staying compliant and organized
- Answers to your specific questions from New Mexico Taxation and Revenue experts
WHO IS THIS FOR: About to start or already in business. In either case, if you’re not yet a pro at GRT this webinar is for you.
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Repeats every first Wednesday of the month
from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Next Class: Wed, August 5, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Start Smart: Validate Your Business Idea First
Before you launch your business, make sure you’re building the right one. This webinar will introduce practical tools and strategies to validate your business idea, reduce risk, and improve your chances of success. You’ll learn how to:
- Identify the key traits of successful entrepreneurs
- Use the Business Model Canvas to map your business
- Apply customer development to test your ideas
- Conduct market research to better understand your customers and competition
WHO IS THIS FOR: Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a business on a strong foundation before investing significant time and money.
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Repeats every first Thursday of the month
from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Next Class: Thurs, August 6, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Basic Steps to Starting a Business in New Mexico
Join us for an engaging webinar covering the essential steps to starting a business in New Mexico, with a focus on the critical role of market analysis. You’ll learn how to:
- Understand the basic steps to starting a business in New Mexico
- Conduct meaningful market analysis
- Identify your target market and evaluate your competition
- Use research tools to strengthen your business case and funding readiness
The session also introduces free SBDC research tools—including IBISWorld, Data Axle, and Census Business Builder—to help validate business ideas, identify market opportunities, and build a stronger business case. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to move from concept to execution with confidence.
WHOS IS THIS FOR: If you are about to start or are considering starting a business, this webinar is for you.
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Repeats every second Wednesday of the month
from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Next Class: Wed, August 12, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Expand Your Business Beyond U.S. Borders
Whether you’re considering importing, exporting, or supplying companies that do business internationally, this webinar will introduce you to the opportunities available through the New Mexico International Business Accelerator (IBA). Learn how free expert assistance, market research, and international trade connections can help your business identify new markets, find customers and suppliers, and confidently explore global opportunities.
WHO IS THIS FOR: Small business owners and entrepreneurs who are interested in growing their business through international trade, expanding into new markets, or learning whether importing or exporting is the right next step for their business.
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Repeats every third Tuesday of the month
from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Next Class: Tues, August 18, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm