ABOUT IPEC

Who We Are

Several years ago, our Shareholders and Board of Directors presented a vision to develop the historic Albuquerque Indian School campus and turn it into a thriving business and cultural corridor. Imperative to the plan is that the overall campus incorporates and extends Pueblo culture and values. As we continue our journey to build out our 80-acre campus, we are strategically positioned to expand our vision to include and support and others in their own pursuit of economic stability and advancement. It is with this in mind that we are developing the Entrepreneur Complex.

 

As a result of our community outreach, research, and networking with the business community we know that local resources are not adequate to meet the emerging needs and demands of entrepreneurs. IPEC will be a one-of-a-kind hub with critical spaces, technologies, and resources to help Native and local entrepreneurs pursue and achieve economic opportunities. The first phase of the Entrepreneur Complex will be oriented to support those in the food and agriculture industries. We will expand what’s available to food and agriculture entrepreneurs to help them better their craft and reach their business goals. We’ll also apply our reach and resources to grow the types and number of businesses that exist which will actively support and strengthen our local food system.

 

We’re excited to be building a multifaceted community space where entrepreneurs can create in a way that is inspirational, educational, and sustainable. Throughout the Entrepreneur Complex, we will ensure efficiency and connectedness while providing expected amenities in modern, technology-rich environments.

 

OUR MISSION

IPEC will serve as a catalyst to self-determination through access to facilities, resources, training, and information, while building a supportive and innovative Entrepreneurial community.

Our Farmers and Clients/Cohort

IPEC serves a diverse clientele in the northern New Mexico region and greater metro Albuquerque area. Our clients include a range of food entrepreneurs - from farmers, small business owners, and start-ups, to artisan food producers and home-based chefs. They are passionate about their craft and are dedicated to delivering quality, fresh, and locally-sourced products to their customers.

Our farmer clients are committed to sustainable and both contemporary and traditional Native farming methods. They range from small-scale, family-owned farms growing a diverse variety of crops to larger agricultural enterprises specializing in specific produce. These farmers benefit from our aggregation space, cold storage, and refrigerated van rental services, enabling them to ensure peak freshness and quality of their produce.

Our non-farmer clients, including local business owners and home-based chefs, benefit from IPEC's rental kitchen spaces. These well-equipped, commercial-grade kitchens provide a cost-effective and compliant solution for their food preparation needs. Many of these entrepreneurs will expand their product lines and scale their businesses with the help of IPEC's mentorship, training, and consultation services.

In essence, IPEC is not just a food hub, but a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs dedicated to elevating the local food industry.

Our Industry Partners

We are proud to have the support of a diverse group of prestigious industry partners as capital campaign donors. These partners, including the New Mexico Gas Company and Bank of Albuquerque, have generously provided financial support to fuel our growth and the success of our clients. We are also grateful to the First Nations Development Institute for their ongoing dedication to the cause of Native food sovereignty, which they expressed through their valuable financial contributions.

In addition to these donors, our partnerships extend to numerous farmer associations and food hubs across New Mexico, fostering a supportive network for our clients and helping to promote our services to a wider audience. We also have strong ties with indigenous hubs and businesses, who provide a critical connection to our Native entrepreneurs and a wealth of practical knowledge and experience.

On a national level, we are fortunate to work with several organizations that provide grants, enabling us to further our mission and expand our reach. Through these partnerships, we are able to provide a comprehensive suite of services and resources for our clients, furthering our mission of growing food businesses and supporting our vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Our donors help make it possible for us to create programming and build facilities that support our mission.