The Town of Red River has been awarded $25,000 through the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) program to implement the Resilient Business Toolkit & Continuity Planning Initiative, a groundbreaking project aimed at strengthening the long-term stability and preparedness of the town’s small business community.
Spearheaded by the Town’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism, the initiative is designed to help local businesses prepare for and respond to disruptions caused by natural disasters, economic shocks, and service interruptions. The program will provide customized business continuity toolkits, one-on-one preparedness assessments, educational workshops, and a public awareness campaign under the slogan “Prepare to Stay Open.”
“This project is a direct investment in the future of Red River’s economy,” said Max Khudiakov, Director of Economic Development & Tourism. “By equipping our businesses with the knowledge and tools to withstand unforeseen challenges, we are protecting jobs, tax revenue, and the unique character of our town.”
Over the course of the next year, the Town anticipates engaging more than 100 businesses, conducting at least 30 individualized continuity assessments during business retention visits, and delivering three workshops reaching over 100 participants. At least 15 businesses are expected to implement or update formal continuity plans as a result of the initiative.
This project complements the Town’s broader Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) strategy and is being delivered in collaboration with key partners, including the Red River Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center at UNM-Taos, Taos-HIVE, the Regional Development Corporation, and local emergency services.
Without LEADS funding, this initiative would not have been possible at the intended scale. The Town is also contributing in-kind resources such as staff time, workshop space at the Red River Conference Center, and promotional support to ensure the program’s success.
For more information about the Town’s economic development programs, visit:
www.redrivernm.gov/tourism-economic-development
Media Contact:
Max Khudiakov
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
Town of Red River
mkhudiakov [at] redriver.org | (575) 754-1708