ALBUQUERQUE MBDA BUSINESS CENTER
About Us
The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) mission is to foster the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises (MBEs).
ABOUT THE MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (MBEs)
MBEs are fast-growing, innovative, and represented in every industry sector in the United States. Minority-owned firms directly contribute to the U.S. economy and account for the creation of millions of U.S. jobs.
11 million
There are nearly 11 million minority-owned businesses in the United States
6.3 million
Employing more than 6.3 million people
$1.8 trillion
Generating more than $1.8 trillion in revenue annually
Why we focus on MBEs
There is a troubling reality of capital limitations faced by MBEs. Capital access remains the most important factor limiting the establishment, expansion and growth of minority-owned businesses. The report provides an in-depth review and analysis of the barriers to capital access experienced by minority entrepreneurs, and the consequences that limited financial sources are placing on expanding minority-owned firms.
Who We Are
The New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (MBDA Business Center) is part of a national network of business centers funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The Center is operated by the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department, which is strategically focused on filling equity gaps in our small business community, with an emphasis on taking minority business enterprises to the next level of success.
What We Do
We assist socially or economically disadvantaged clients, regardless of race or ethnicity, by facilitating transactions through referrals, business consulting, contract bid/proposal preparation, loan packaging, and/or matching contract opportunities and capital sources. In addition, we help clients achieve growth objectives by connecting prospective strategic partners through business-to-business matching, teaming arrangements, joint ventures, or other strategic advisory services.
Who We Serve
We support businesses that are pursuing growth throughout New Mexico and across the United States. Our clients are U.S.-based minority business enterprises (MBEs) as defined in the MBDA Act. This includes businesses owned and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. The Center will maximize its impact by focusing on high-growth sectors in which New Mexico excels: biosciences, aerospace and drone technology, energy, defense, construction, health care, optics and photonics, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and film and television.
Meet the Team
Gabriela Marques, Director
Gabriela is a passionate champion for disadvantaged, small, and minority businesses. She brings her expertise in business development, program implementation, and commercial lending throughout New Mexico to her role as Director of the Albuquerque MBDA Business Center. Gabriela previously worked for seven years at DreamSpring, an award-winning microfinance organization. As market manager and senior loan officer, she led the lending team in New Mexico and Nevada, removing barriers to access to capital and developing strategic partnerships. Born and raised in Brazil, she moved to California to pursue her university studies and then fell in love with New Mexico close to a decade ago. Gabriela received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a master’s degree in International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego.
Direct contact: 505.376.7823 - gmarques@nmmbda.com
Sofia Bajana, Project Manager
Sofia is a firm believer in local talent and minority businesses, bringing experience developing and implementing business strategic plans for small and medium-sized organizations. She has an MBA from Anderson School of Management and experience in the E-commerce Marketing arena overseeing product optimization, customer experience analytics, and recommendations on increasing sales and new customer acquisition. Her previous experience in Ecuador gave her the ability to connect with people and help them succeed. She helped small companies to introduce their products to the marketplace, improve their production processes, complying with all the required public policies.
Direct contact: 505.397.0674 - sbajana@nmmbda.com
Michael Silva, Business Advisor
Mike Silva began working with the NM Minority Business Development Agency in January of 2021. He is CEO of his own consulting company EnFrente LLC. His previous work history includes working as a Senior Project Manager for the New Mexico Small Business Development Center, Director of Public Works for the Pueblo of Jemez, President of his own consulting company, EnFrente Inc. and served as president of the Rio Grande Educational Collaborative 2000-2012, a non-profit educational services organization that he founded. He retired from Public Service Company of NM as Director of Corporate Quality in 2002 after 30 years’ service at PNM. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico with a major in business.
Direct contact: 505.376.7824 - msilva@nmmbda.com
Sandra Gonzalez, Business Advisor
With 10 years of experience working with businesses and as the owner of her own business, Sandra Gonzalez is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business development. Specializing in empowering minority and Hispanic-owned businesses, she provides guidance and support to foster growth and success.
In her role at the NM Minority Development Agency, Sandra combines practical strategies with innovative perspectives, ensuring that businesses receive the tools and resources necessary to thrive. Her approach balances clarity with depth, simplifying complex challenges while promoting long-term success for the communities she serves.
Direct contact: 505.526.0440 – sgonzalez@nmmbda.com
Gloria Ortiz, Business Advisor for Nothern Rural NM
Gloria Anna Ortiz is a dedicated Business Advisor with the Minority Business Development Agency, serving the vibrant communities of rural northern New Mexico. Born and raised in the picturesque town of Las Vegas, NM, Gloria is the third of five children.
A proud second-generation graduate of New Mexico Highlands University, Gloria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2010 and her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2011, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is also a distinguished member of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Political Studies, which she obtained in 2007.
Gloria’s extensive experience in community outreach and advocacy equips her with the expertise needed to foster growth and development for businesses in rural northern New Mexico. She is passionate about creating opportunities for success and promoting economic growth in her community.
Direct contact: 505.526.4496 – gortiz@nmmbda.com
Candle Baca, Business Advisor for Southern NM
Candle brings a unique blend of business expertise and community passion to her role as a Business Advisor at the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency. Leveraged with an MBA from Western New Mexico University and over 10 years of healthcare experience, Candle is passionate about building strong connections with business owners and helping them achieve their goals.
Prior to joining the NMMBDA, Candle's career path included leadership roles in community development and non-profit management. She honed her project management and event coordination skills while fostering a deep connection to the local business landscape. As a small business owner herself, Candle is particularly enthusiastic about empowering others to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
Direct contact: 505.526.9080 – cbaca@nmmbda.com
WHAT OUR PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“MBDA has exceeded all expectations. Through their services and support, they have helped bridge connections with many contacts otherwise out of our network.”
- Mike Ely, Chief Development Officer from Nube Group