Santa Fe County’s Economic Development division announced on May 12 that four local businesses have received a total of $97,819 through the New Mexico Creative Industries Division’s Development Business and Expansion Grants.
The grants are part of nearly $245,000 in state funding awarded to creative businesses across New Mexico to help improve operations, expand reach, and support long-term stability. Creative businesses use design, production, culture or crafts to turn original ideas and artistic talent into products or services with economic value.
These Business Development & Expansion Grants represent the second round of awards for fiscal year 2026. Applicants came from various creative fields and regions at different stages of growth. Santa Fe County’s Economic Development division provides technical assistance for companies applying for such grants. The county has identified creative industries as one of its four main targets in its business development strategy.
The recipients include Art Eclipse LLC (Cerrillos), which was awarded $24,000 for renovating a historic blacksmith shed into secure art storage and workspace along with targeted marketing; Cynthia Jones Jewelry (Santa Fe), receiving $24,020 to invest in materials and upgrade its online platform; Tumbleroot Pottery Pub (Santa Fe), granted $24,880 for café upgrades and marketing; and Light Styles of Santa Fe LLC (Pojoaque), awarded $24,919 to purchase new equipment and redesign its website.
According to the official website, Santa Fe County promotes community engagement through public meetings and advisory boards while supporting operations with administrative facilities throughout the region. The county focuses on transparent governance, resource stewardship, essential services such as public safety and health care delivery systems that aim to improve quality of life for residents in both incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
