Jason Gonzales
After 32 years of business development experience, Jason Gonzalez brings extensive expertise in management, operations, and building businesses from the ground up. His background spans retail, distribution, and community-based enterprises, giving him a practical understanding of how small businesses start, grow, and adapt in rural settings. Jason works directly with rural community members to develop viable businesses from early planning and feasibility through budgeting, marketing, website development, and execution, with particular attention to farmstands, and agritourism. Jason lives near Villanueva State Park in San Miguel County. In his role as Rural Economic Development Program Manager with the Center of Southwest Culture, he supports capacity building and entrepreneurship across rural New Mexico. Outside of his professional role, Jason and his wife, Bernadette, are proud small, market farmers who value the connection between entrepreneurship, land stewardship, and rural livelihoods.