Albuquerque — Old Town will soon be the new headquarters for entrepreneurs.

ACCION New Mexico-Arizona-Colorado, a non-profit organization that provides micro-loans and bilingual business training to entrepreneurs, announced a $1.75 million grant from the Federal Economic Development Administration.

Among other things, the money will go towards a new facility in the Sawmill District near Old Town.

Since its creation in 1994, the organization has financed the start-up or growth of more than 2,300 new businesses in the state through loans of more than $23 million.

“ACCION New Mexico helps people realize their dreams and be a catalyst for positive social and economic change,” said Phil Castillo, COO of the The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce offers loans, bilingual training and other services to Hispanic entrepreneurs.

The Chamber is also holding the Sixth Annual Building Partnerships for the 21st Century Small Business Conference, Marketplace and Trade Fair Expo July 14 and 15 at the Albuquerque Embassy Suites at 1000 Woodward Place NE in Albuquerque.

The free event is “a salute to veteran small businesses,” Castillo said.

Twenty military and government agencies will talk about contacting opportunities for current and prospective contractors. Small business owners will also get the chance to network with large businesses.

The two-day consortium includes workshops and job opening updates with AHCC partner Sandia National Laboratories.

Más New Mexico reporters Katherine Michalske and Isaah Montoya contributed to this report.