DreamSpring

Knowledge is power, and we're keeping the DreamMaker community fueled up for May and June 2026. We’ve handpicked 9 top links to help you navigate the evolving small business world with confidence. Dive into our latest curated list here: www.dreamspring.org/news/9-good-reads-and-resources-for-may-and-june-2026

New Mexico Creative Industries Division's NM CreativeCon isn’t just for creatives, it brings together artists, business owners, support organizations, and local communities to grow New Mexico’s creative economy together. It’s about connection, collaboration, and creating real opportunities across the state.

Join DreamSpring Business Development Officer Luis Ceja for the sixth and final 2026 NM CreativeCon happening at the Hispanic Cultural Center in ABQ, NM on Saturday, June 6, and hear from local creative entrepreneurs, community organizations, and local officials on the resources available to you!

https://www.edd.newmexico.gov/divisions-and-offices/creative-industries/creativecon/

So much gratitude to Webster Bank for awarding us a grant to support small business entrepreneurs! 🎉 This funding will go directly toward empowering small business owners and fueling local innovation. We’re so thankful for your partnership in building a stronger community.

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Your creative vision is worth protecting. Check out our NEW round-up of free legal clinics and advocacy groups — dedicated to giving artists the legal peace of mind they need to thrive. https://www.dreamspring.org/business-resources/creative-industries/2026-dreamcreative-emergency-grants-loans-and-resources-round-up -resources

We are thrilled to announce the release of our new book, 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘵 & 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩! 📘

Drawing from dozens of hours of interviews with real business owners, this book pairs inspiring community stories with practical strategies that challenge common assumptions about entrepreneurship. It also traces the 32-year legacy of Anne Haines as she founded, scaled, and transitioned from DreamSpring.

This book is a tribute to the who inspire us every day, and we want to celebrate this milestone with you.

Join us for our official book release party:
🗓️ Thurs., June 18 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
📍 DreamSpring HQ

Secure your spot and RSVP today: dreamspring.org/book

Kick off the summer with our DreamCreative Resource Round-up for June! We’ve curated the month's top opportunities — including specialized grants and workshops — designed to help your business and your craft thrive. www.dreamspring.org/business-resources/creative-industries/june-2026-dreamcreative-news-and-opportunities-round-up
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Featuring grant and educational opportunities from creative entrepreneur support organizations like the New Mexico Creative Industries Division, Mid-America Arts Alliance, Houston Arts Alliance, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, and the Social Science Research Council.

New Mexico’s creative economy generates over $6 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than $1.6 billion in wages every year. NM CreativeCon is about helping creatives see themselves as part of that economy, and giving them the tools to grow their work into sustainable businesses.

Join New Mexico Creative Industries Division this weekend for Pojoaque CreativeCon on May 30 at Buffalo Thunder Resort!

Connect with creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders from across the region for a day of inspiring conversations, valuable resources, and opportunities to grow New Mexico’s creative economy.

🔗 Register today → https://www.edd.newmexico.gov/divisions-and-offices/creative-industries/creativecon/

Veterans and military spouses bring remarkable discipline and resourcefulness to everything they do — and that’s exactly what makes them great entrepreneurs.

To honor that drive, DreamSpring is proud to stand with the Veteran Loan Fund as a partner CDFI for the launch of their new Accelerator. This program is purposefully designed to bridge the gap for military-connected founders by expanding access to capital, specialized training, and strategic support.

Together with the Veteran Loan Fund, we’re investing in the leaders who’ve already given so much. www.dreamspring.org/news/dreamspring-joins-veteran-loan-fund-in-launching-accelerator-for-veteran-and-military-spouse-entrepreneurs

Our team is Austin-bound for Opportunity Finance Network's 13th Annual Small Business Finance Forum, and we aren't just attending — we’re honored to be part of the conversation! We are thrilled to announce that Chief Engagement Officer Amber Kani will be representing DreamSpring as a featured panelist for the breakout session - Sharing Risk, Scaling Impact: Participation Lending for CDFIs on Thursday, June 11, at 2:30 p.m. CT.

Amber will be joining industry experts for a deep dive session that explores how CDFIs are using participation lending to expand their reach, diversify exposure, and deploy capital more effectively.

Attendees will explore the essentials of partner selection, deal structure, and operational capacity to identify how participation lending can drive growth within their own organizations.

We're excited for the conversations, the connections, and the work ahead. We hope you join us there! https://web.cvent.com/event/51eff726-9670-4182-87de-c76a6a66ba0d/summary

This Memorial Day, we pause to express gratitude to those who sacrifice to protect our freedoms. We honor our military families today and every day.⁠
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In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, DreamSpring will be closed today, Monday, May 25.