IDEAS Network Puts Local Entrepreneurs on the Map
Learn more about the IDEAS Network, an initiative created to showcase strengths of businesses in ABQ’s International District and connect and empower entrepreneurs.
by Samantha Anne Carrillo
New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) officially launched its International District Engagement and Support (IDEAS) Network during National Night Out on Aug. 6, 2024. According to Marcus Porter, NMBLC Chief Programs & Policy Officer, the IDEAS Network initiative was created to showcase the strengths of businesses in Albuquerque’s International District and connect and empower entrepreneurs and business owners during times of both joy and sorrow.
Reviving the Block
“Driving economic development within the International District is something we see as crucial to survival of the International District,” Porter said. “The more businesses that leave–as we’ve seen with national chains like Walgreen’s and Wal-Mart–the more buildings get boarded up, creating blights and unsafe conditions. If we bring economic development into the District through our IDEAS Network and bring community safety into the spotlight through partnerships with law enforcement and other agencies, we can actually build a solid foundation for this area to thrive.”
Building a Thriving Ecosystem
The IDEAS Network is conducting its initial, wide-ranging survey on the state of business in the International District, explains Porter, within overarching categories like Business Resilience, Challenges & Safety, Community Engagement, Future Outlook, Government & Support Services, and Personal Insights. The IDEAS Network’s Founders Circle is comprised of six local businesses: 505 Super Market, Albuquerque Adult Learning Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico, Cheyenne Wellness, San Pedro Library, and Vexus Fiber.
Porter says that the Founders Circle has already filled out this survey and project leads are currently working to identify themes within provided answers. IDEAS Network’s next step will involve bringing businesses together with local leaders and law enforcement to discuss the benefits of existing within the International District’s thriving, diverse business ecosystem and the ongoing challenges posed by issues of public safety, resourcing, and beyond.
Major 505 Moves for 2025
As IDEAS Network continues to recruit businesses within the International District, Porter says that initiatives planned for 2025 include further development of an online International District business directory, publishing a printed IDEAS Network guide, organizing an International District Restaurant Week, and hosting periodic meetings and events aimed at mobilizing the business community.
“Part of the IDEAS Network is really marketing the businesses that are here as well. It’s not just providing support and connection with local agencies and law enforcement. That’s why we’re highlighting the businesses in our online guide and printing a directory of businesses,” said Porter, “It’s why we’re working on getting Main Street America and NM MainStreet designation because that will attract national and local attention and funding to support positive facade improvements, other beautification efforts and safer streets in general. IDEAS Network will promote what these businesses do and push that out to the public while also doubling-down on improvement from national and local funding sources.”