Basics of Borrowing- Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team dba WESST
Join us as we welcome one of the State's microlenders to give entrepreneurs information about the basics of borrowing and an overview of the services offered across the State.
The Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team dba WESST is a statewide 501(c)(3) small business assistance organization committed to supporting individuals in New Mexico who want to start a business or improve the performance of an existing one. Founded by three women in 1989, WESST proudly targets its services to women, people of color and low-wealth New Mexicans.
WESST’s core services include business consulting, training, incubation and access to capital. We employ a “no barriers to entry” approach which means there are no prerequisites that clients have to present, nor do they have to “qualify” or be “selected” for assistance. We are committed to helping transform our clients’ lives by creating a pathway to business success. WESST’s role is to educate, encourage and inspire our clients to achieve their business goals.
In order to make our services as accessible as possible, WESST offers training and consulting in both English and Spanish. Physical accessibility is provided through our 7 offices in Albuquerque, Farmington, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell and Santa Fe. Each of the offices hosts a Women’s Business Center, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. WESST is also an SBA Microlender and a CDFI.
About the Instructor:
C. Sandro Tonini, VP of Lending for WESST
Sandro came to WESST after hearing about the work WESST did with underserved communities. He developed a passion for teaching and increasing financial capability after a career in retail banking and market research. A trilingual First Generation American and personal witness to the American Dream, Sandro takes pride and finds fulfillment in serving marginalized communities. Sandro graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico where he studied Operations and Marketing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in finance. In addition to overseeing WESST’s Statewide microloan program, Sandro also directs the statewide implementation of WESST’s “Money Learning Lab”, which uses human centered design to develop and deliver financial capability training for, with, and in the communities of New Mexico.
Please Be Aware: The webinar will be used for internal and/or public training.