Taos County Economic Development Corporation

Programs: Tcedc operations/programs: the companys most recent statistics show that it has assisted over 960 clients and created or retained 66 jobs. The programs provide technical and marketing assistance, specialty training, and guidance in the preparation of business plans. Training to other organizations and non profits working on grassroots community development and food system development locally, regionally, and nationally. Garden and greenhouse-tcedc offers training to youth in the area of sustainable agricultural and environmental food production. Outreach, information, and referral staff assist clients via phone conversations. At least 8 calls daily, 160 calls per month, or 1,600 calls per year. Additionally, on site one on one assistance was provided to over 35 clients per month or 420 in 2017. Tcedc is also the host/sponsor for the native american food sovereignty alliance (nafsa) as well as for the slow food turtle island(sfti)group, both national/international organizations working on health and economic opportunities for their communities. During 2016 tcedc held 2 forums where over 75 native organizations and groups attended. Nafsa is a newly formed national organization (501(c)(3). The tcedc directors are part of the nafsa founding council and board of directors as well as the coordinators responsible for the organizational development including creating the mission statement, call to action, the bylaws, articles of incorporation, and other tax exempt documents required for the estabishment of the entity. Nafsa was granted 501(c)(3) status on february 6, 2015. As of december 31, 2017, tcedc continues to act as the interim director of nafsa programing.

business park/taos food center: this cooperative facility houses 2 larger business and/or organizations including 1 health provider and 1 senior and art oriented businesses. These businesses provide employment for over 10 employees and provided education and skill training for over 80 local area residents in 2017. Training is provided at no cost for food processing businesses to develop marketing programs for specialty foods. Job site safety training was provided as well as basic business skills to small business entrepreneurs. Education and training was provided pursuant to the food and modernization act to assist 60 food businesses with compliance and implementation. The food center is a 5,000 square foot commercial kitchen which provides food processing facilities and support to 60 local food processors. Each processor employs from 1-3 people totaling over 110 during the 2017. Larger processors and food caterers have graduated from the food center to their own location and continue to provide employment. The business park is also a venue for multiple forums and workshops hosting 75 participants in 2017. The organization offers specialized education and training to food entrepreneurs through its food sector opportunity program (fsop). Additional courses such as nx level tilling the soil of opportunity; and other community driven workshops are offered on an ongoing basis. There were over 60 participants who attended these workshops in 2017. The food center offers nutrition and food preparation courses to the community providing training to over 60 particpants in 2017.

small business direct services and training: the services provided from the business park have continued to provide technical assistance to over 150 business clients at no charge. These services include business planning, financial projections, marketing and product development. Specialized training courses have been developed for small businesses in specific sectors such as specialty foods, nxlevel entrepreneurial training, and garden workshops. In 2017, over 60 students attended and completed these courses. The statistics for 2017, showed that the organizations client and tenant base is comprised of 75% low income residents, 65% hispanic, and over 12% native american residents.

mobile livestock slaughter unit and training program is a tool to assist limited resource ranchers with creating new employment and business opportunities as well as access to new markets. In 2015, the program was interrupted due to lack of funding. The program is pending resources.