Rep. Vasquez Visits NMSU to Promote Local Economic Growth Through Small Business, STEM

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On October 24, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)visited his alma mater, New Mexico State University, to focus on growing New Mexico's local economy by bolstering pathways for young New Mexicans to start small businesses and pursue careers in STEM.

The campus visit started with a stop at the university's student-run 100 West Cafe, where Rep. Vasquez met with students from the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and the school's Fashion Merchandising and Design program. The conversation focused on experiential learning opportunities available to NMSU students and how these practical learning opportunities are preparing New Mexico's next generation of small business owners.

Rep. Vasquez also discussed with students the retail industry's role in regional development and workforce opportunities, as well as measures the Congressman has supported to stimulate small business opportunity and growth in the region, including:

• The bipartisan Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Actto promote economic development and job creation in border towns like Las Cruces
• Support for funding requests for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)to ensure small businesses in underserved and rural areas have access to financial institutions for loans and other similar services
• Opposition to legislation that would restrict businesses from acquiring Small Business Administration (SBA) loans unless they were 100% owned by a US citizen or green card holder, which could potentially block funding and support for many New Mexican small businesses
• Leadership on appropriations letters supporting the State Small Business Credit Initiativeto ensure Tribal entrepreneursand small businesses have equitable access to credit and business loans

"It's clear to me our state's young people are talented, motivated, and eager to get to work, and retaining their talent here in New Mexico is a key piece of the puzzle for growing our state's economy," said Vasquez. "I am working to ensure that as our state's next generation of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and STEM professionals graduate, they have the tools and economic opportunities they need to get their businesses and research projects off the ground right here at home."

The Congressman then spoke at the New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation(AMP)'s annual statewide STEM student research conference at Corbett Center Student Union. In his remarks, the Congressman spoke about the importance of cultivating New Mexico's next generation of STEM talent as a force for growing the state's economy.

In his remarks, Rep. Vasquez said, "Going to college and pursuing higher education isn't just about getting a piece of paper. It's about expanding your horizons, opening doors to opportunity, and creating a foundation for a better future - not just for yourself, not even just for your family, but for our entire community and state… These STEM research initiatives aren't just academic endeavors; they are a driving force in growing New Mexico's economy."

The Congressman has led efforts to secure funding for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) at NASAto prepare the next generation of New Mexicans to become global leaders in the STEM field.

Rep. Vasquez ended his visit by speaking with student researchers about the cutting-edge STEM research they are leading across New Mexico.

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