Travelers passing through Albuquerque International Sunport are now greeted with more than just the hustle of airport terminals and the anticipation of flight departures. They’re also being introduced to a new program that’s been years in the making—one designed to spotlight local small businesses and their unique products. Known as “Ascend ABQ,” the initiative is offering local entrepreneurs the chance to sell their goods to thousands of passengers moving through New Mexico’s busiest airport.
A Long-Awaited Launch
The debut of Ascend ABQ represents the culmination of nearly two years of planning, mentoring, and preparation. City leaders and Sunport officials worked alongside small business owners, guiding them through the rigorous process of becoming airport vendors. For many entrepreneurs, access to such a high-traffic retail environment would otherwise be out of reach.
Airports are typically dominated by large, national brands that can afford the hefty investment costs required to secure retail space. Gary Gilliard, Deputy Director of Aviation, explained that Ascend ABQ was designed to level the playing field.
“We wanted to lower the threshold, we wanted to take away the big investment requirement that normally is coming to an airport,” Gilliard said. “We wanted to really alleviate those small tenants when they’re in it for the first time and make it realistic for them to get their arms around it.”
From Online Sales to Airport Retail
Among the nine businesses selected for the inaugural run of Ascend ABQ is Eddie Valentin Fashions LLC, a clothing brand founded by Albuquerque native Eddie Valentin. For Valentin, the program has been nothing short of life-changing.
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Valentin, who once sold apparel almost exclusively online, beat out more than 40 other applicants to secure his spot in the Sunport’s Great Hall. For him, seeing his name and his designs displayed in such a prominent setting is the realization of a dream he has nurtured since childhood.
“It means that dreams do come true, and I’m really truly blessed,” Valentin said. “To be able to walk through something I did as a kid into a young adult, and now I look to my right and my store, my name is all over, and everyone will know who I am.”
His story is emblematic of what Ascend ABQ is designed to accomplish: providing ambitious small business owners with visibility, foot traffic, and opportunities they might not otherwise receive.
Rotating Opportunities for Local Artisans
One of the most innovative features of the Ascend ABQ program is its rotating schedule. The nine entrepreneurs who make up the program’s first cohort are not all tied to long-term leases. Instead, businesses will rotate through different sections of the airport, with some spending just three to six months in the Sunport’s Great Hall, while others will operate kiosks at the “A” and “B” gates for one to two years.
For example, New Mexico Blue Corn, founded by Felix Mauro Torres, is among the businesses selected for the program. Torres expressed gratitude for the chance to expand his reach through the Sunport, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for small, artisan-based companies.
“This program really extends that opportunity that we necessarily wouldn’t have in another setting,” Torres said. “So this program is vitally important to the growth of small artisan businesses.”
The rotating model ensures that multiple local businesses will have a chance to showcase their products over time. For travelers, this means a constantly refreshed retail experience that highlights the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of New Mexico.
Boosting Small Business Growth
The Ascend ABQ program is more than a marketing opportunity; it’s also a potential launching pad for small businesses looking to expand. Selling to thousands of daily travelers not only boosts revenue but also provides invaluable exposure. Entrepreneurs have the chance to build brand recognition on a national and even international scale as visitors pass through Albuquerque.
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The initiative also reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to economic development and small business support. By giving entrepreneurs the tools, training, and stage to present their products, Albuquerque is creating a pathway for local businesses to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Looking Ahead: The “Fly Pass” Program
Sunport officials aren’t stopping with Ascend ABQ. They are also developing another initiative called “Fly Pass.” This program would allow non-flying guests—family members, friends, or even locals interested in shopping—to obtain a day pass to go beyond TSA security checkpoints. With Fly Pass, people who aren’t traveling could still enjoy the airport’s shops, restaurants, and kiosks, further boosting foot traffic for small businesses participating in Ascend ABQ.
For entrepreneurs, this could expand their customer base even further, connecting them not only with travelers but also with locals who want to support homegrown businesses without booking a flight.
A Win for Travelers and the Community
For the Albuquerque International Sunport, Ascend ABQ is as much about community identity as it is about business. The program helps showcase the culture and creativity of New Mexico to visitors who may only be passing through. By highlighting local talent, the Sunport is able to offer a unique travel experience that reflects the spirit of the region.
Travelers often look for something memorable to take home from their journey, and with Ascend ABQ kiosks, they can now choose authentic products crafted by New Mexico entrepreneurs. From clothing and accessories to locally inspired goods, these kiosks are transforming the airport into more than just a travel hub—it’s becoming a space to celebrate local culture and creativity.
Conclusion
The launch of Ascend ABQ marks a significant milestone for Albuquerque, its small businesses, and the thousands of travelers who pass through the city’s airport each day. For entrepreneurs like Eddie Valentin and Felix Mauro Torres, the program represents both recognition of their hard work and a unique chance to scale their dreams. For the city, it’s an innovative way to champion local business growth while enriching the travel experience.
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As the program evolves—and as the Fly Pass initiative comes online—the Albuquerque Sunport could soon serve as a model for how airports nationwide can support small businesses, foster community pride, and provide travelers with a truly local experience.
