Bern. Co. hosting small business summit

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Helping small businesses grow and putting people back to work, that's the goal of the Bernalillo County Small Business Summit.  This will be happening in Albuquerque on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center.

County officials say small business is a huge part of the local economy. The more that can grow, the more residents around here will have a chance to work and make money. Organizers of the summit say Friday's workshop can help make that happen.

A number of business development experts are expected to be on hand for the event giving out free advice. They are also providing workshops showing how these companies can access more capital for their companies and get other sources of support. In addition to the free advice there will be workshops on payroll, tax issues, legal matters and using social media to help owners with their businesses.

Any small business owner and entrepreneur is encouraged to sign up for the free classes and there's no registration required.

Part of that helping hand can come from the Bernalillo County Revolving Loan Fund. Organizers say this has already helped out 16 businesses get their start or expand since August 2010. With just over half a million dollars in the fund currently, county officials say they'd like to see the money get used to helping out these companies grow stronger.

"Small businesses are critical and a very important backbone of the economy in New Mexico overall and Bernalillo County is committed to helping small businesses thrive," adds Lenderman.

The Raymond G. Sanchez Community center is at 9800 4th Street in Northwest Albuquerque.