WESST (originally the Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team) is a small business development and training organization committed to creating jobs and achieving economic independence by cultivating entrepreneurship in New Mexico. A microlender, WESST provides small business loans to women and others who often experience difficulty obtaining financing. With assets in excess of $10 million, WESST has assisted with creating more than 1,100 jobs, generating $93 million in personal income and assisting with $60 million in wage and salary growth. The vast majority (75 percent) of WESST clients are women, low-income (70 percent), and of an ethnic minority (60 percent). In addition to providing technical assistance and small business resources, WESST also operatives an Individual Development Account program.