February, 4 2026 - For Immediate Release
El Paso, TX– Nusenda Credit Union is expanding its one-of-a-kind Microloan Program into El Paso, Texas, through a new partnership with Project Vida, a nonprofit dedicated to holistic wellbeing and community development. This marks the program’s first partner in El Paso, extending relationship-based lending to more entrepreneurs across the Southwest.
The Nusenda Microloan Program is designed to break down barriers to capital by prioritizing trust and community relationships over credit scores. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, cooperatives, and educational institutions, the program provides access to financing alongside real-time support and financial education.
“We’re excited to bring our unique Microloan Program to El Paso with Project Vida,” said Michelle Dearholt, President and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union. “This expansion represents a major milestone in our mission to empower entrepreneurs who might otherwise be excluded from traditional financing. Together we will continue opening doors to opportunity and helping businesses thrive.”
Project Vida’s Microenterprise Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) is a cornerstone of its work, offering no-cost services such as business planning, financial education, marketing support, and networking. MTAP focuses on supporting small business owners with five or fewer employees, helping them build sustainable enterprises. Project Vida will facilitate access to microloans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with special credit-building loans available between $1,000 and $5,000.
Since its inception, Nusenda’s Microloan Program has provided more than $3.2 million in loans, helping create over 324 jobs across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. With the addition of Project Vida, Nusenda continues to grow its network to 23 community partners, each playing a vital role in delivering personalized, community-driven support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Expanding our microloan program into El Paso is such a great opportunity,” said June Manning, Microloan Program Manager at Nusenda Credit Union. “Project Vida is already doing incredible work for entrepreneurs in the community, and we are committed to working alongside them to empower even more people on their business journeys.”
This expansion underscores Nusenda’s belief that access to capital should be equitable, inclusive, and rooted in relationships. By joining forces with Project Vida, Nusenda is proud to bring its innovative Microloan Program to El Paso — empowering local entrepreneurs, strengthening communities, and fueling economic opportunity.
To learn more about the Nusenda Microloan Program, visit nusenda.org/microloan-program
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About Nusenda Credit Union
Nusenda Credit Union is New Mexico’s largest locally owned and operated credit union with over 290,000 members and more than 900 employees. It has more than 30 branches throughout New Mexico and West Texas, serving the communities of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Taos, Valencia County, Socorro, Deming, Las Cruces, and El Paso. There are hundreds of ways to join the credit union. Connect with Nusenda Credit Union at www.nusenda.org; Facebook @NusendaCU; Twitter @NusendaCU; and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nusenda-credit-union.
Insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender
Media Contact: Eric Harrison, (505) 610-0419 or [email protected]