NMSBA allows Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories to apply their unique expertise and capabilities to help NM small businesses solve critical challenges. Technical assistance is rendered in the form of laboratory staff time and incidental materials. The assistance is provided at no cost to the businesses. Qualifying New Mexico small businesses are eligible to receive laboratory technical assistance equivalent to $10K (Bernalillo Co.) and $20K (outside Bernalillo Co.) annually. The program does not provide cash or equipment to small businesses.
NMSBA leveraged projects allow multiple small businesses that share technical challenges to request assistance collectively for a larger project than can be accomplished within the cost limit for a single company. Leveraged projects should focus on helping NM small businesses solve a specific technical challenge and must be completed within one year. Funding ranges from $50-$100K per laboratory.
Projects selected for leveraged funding will support the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program’s core mission and key objectives to:
- help New Mexico small businesses address critical challenges;
- utilize the unique capabilities of the national laboratories by providing expertise and services that are not available at reasonable cost through private industry;
offer strategic value, technical feasibility and economic potential that can further develop the small businesses in New Mexico.
- positively impact the national laboratories by aligning with existing or emerging laboratory program areas, offering potential to attract other funding or license laboratory technologies, and promoting meaningful collaboration between the national laboratories.
- provide project outcomes that are well defined, achievable, and relevant to the stated problem faced by the businesses.
Proposals must also comply with the guidelines and eligibility requirements of the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program.