http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/ Colorado Enterprise Fund - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:06:18 GMT Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:06:18 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16946/New-Child-Care-Loan-Fund-to-Address-Child-Care-Shortage-in-Colorado blog   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Hallie Kim, Barefoot PR hallie@barefootpr.com | 303-386-2488 New Child Care Loan Fund to Address Child Care Shortage in  Colorado Colorado Enterprise Fund, Gary Community Ventures, and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children team up to bring solutions to child care gaps in rural communities   DENVER (April 9, 2026) – Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) has partnered with Gary Community Ventures (Gary) and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) to launch the Child Care Loan Fund, a new initiative designed to address child care shortages in Colorado by expanding access to capital for child care providers.  As a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and small business lender, CEF will lead the fund's lending efforts, expanding access to capital for child care providers seeking to start, sustain or grow their businesses throughout Colorado. CEF will serve as the lending partner for this initiative, offering child care providers reduced‑interest financing supported by backstop guarantees from Gary. Backstop guarantees help lower the risk for mission‑driven lenders like CEF. As a revolving loan fund, repayments will be reinvested into new child care loans, sustaining the program and extending its impact for years to come. Complementing these financial tools, EPIC will help by delivering actionable strategies and resources to strengthen Colorado's child care infrastructure and sustainability growth across the sector. The initiative builds on a recent report released by the three organizations, "Strong Foundations: Strategies for Child Care Capital and Supply-Building Solutions," which outlines the biggest challenges in the child care system, including unsustainable business models, limited access to capital, and inconsistent public investment. The fund will address many of these needs by providing a low interest rate ranging from 3.99% to 7.99% and flexible terms for child care commercial real estate. The combination of low-cost capital (CEF), backstop guarantees (Gary), and policy advocacy and technical assistance (EPIC) will increase the flow of capital to child care operators.   "We understand child care is a desperately needed community resource, but can prove to be a challenging business model.  We are creating a scalable solution to address this," said Nim Patel, Chief Operating Officer at CEF. "By expanding access to capital, this fund will help child care providers invest in their facilities, grow their businesses, and increase child care options for families across rural Colorado."  Gary Community Ventures has provided a $1M guarantee for loans provided through this program, helping increase access to flexible financing for and better understand the capital needs of child care providers.  "Access to quality, affordable child care should be the norm," said Catherine Toner, Managing Director of Impact Investing at Gary Community Ventures. "Addressing a complex challenge like this requires strategic partnerships. We are grateful to work alongside CEF and EPIC to offer this new financing opportunity to support child care providers across Colorado."  "This new fund will allow parents to access high-quality child care by funding providers located in areas considered child care deserts.  Approximately 51% of Colorado falls into this category, where there are more than 3 children for every available licensed spot.  As a result, 1 in 4 parents of children under the age of 3 have left a job due to child care challenges," mentioned Alethea Gomez, Colorado Executive Director for EPIC.  By investing in childcare, local and state economies benefit from a more productive workforce, job creation, poverty reduction, and support for community needs. This collaborative effort strengthens our collective response to evolving business and community needs. For more information on this new loan fund, please visit: https://coloradoenterprisefund.org/Childcare-Loan-Program                                                         ### About Colorado Enterprise Fund  Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is a nonprofit small business lender dedicated to supporting undercapitalized entrepreneurs start or grow their business. CEF, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), offers loans ranging from $10K to $1M for those who don't meet traditional financing guidelines, filling a vital void between conventional banking and high-interest alternatives. Beyond financing, CEF provides no-cost business coaching to support clients' growth and sustainability. CEF has disbursed over $441 million in capital to 9,800 businesses statewide and is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026. For more information, visit: www.coloradoenterprisefund.org Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16946/New-Child-Care-Loan-Fund-to-Address-Child-Care-Shortage-in-Colorado http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16841/Small-Business-Spotlight--Cold-Noze-Creameri blog Doggie Ice Cream Treats & Cakes  Owner: Jerry Marano https://www.coldnoze.com Q&A with Owner, Jerry Marano How did the idea for your business come about?  I was inspired by a friend mentioning a doggie ice cream brick and mortar on the east coast that he visited. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers? Must love dogs! Our customers spoil their pups and we LOVE spoiling all the puppers, dog lovers are the best peeps! What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? Starting from scratch, so I needed a bit of a boost! How did you find out about CEF?  I was referred by One Main Financial.  What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? Everyone was so nice and supportive. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?  I was able to get the ball rolling with equipment and event fees. I should have asked for a little more, but we're trying! What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process? I would say ask for quite a bit more than you think you need. I've run into many unexpected costs, and wish I would have built in a bit more cushion. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business?  I'm looking forward to getting my product in as many stores as possible.                                      Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16841/Small-Business-Spotlight--Cold-Noze-Creameri http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16819/Small-Business-Spotlight--SLH-Creative-Group blog "I'm grateful for organizations like CEF that support purpose-driven small businesses.  This funding didn't just help grow my business- it helped bring meaningful, community-centered ideas to life." – Sara Hartley, Owner Children's Books  Owner: Sara Hartley https://saralewishartley.com/ Q&A with Owner, Sara Hartley What inspired you to step into the world of small business?  I started my business after seeing a gap between what families needed and what existed for children's emotional well-being. As a parent and healthcare leader, I wanted to create inclusive, practical resources that support kids, parents, and educators in meaningful ways. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers? My customers are parents, educators, and caregivers who care deeply about children's emotional health—often supporting neurodivergent kids. I love serving a community that is intentional, open to learning, and committed to creating supportive, inclusive environments for children. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? As demand grew, I needed funding to scale responsibly. Additional funding allowed me to invest in professional illustration, printing, inventory, and distribution—ensuring quality, accessibility, and long-term sustainability without compromising the mission. How did you find out about CEF?  I learned about Colorado Enterprise Fund through local small business and entrepreneurial networks focused on impact-driven businesses. CEF stood out as an organization that genuinely understands small business owners and prioritizes both growth and community impact. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? CEF's values, transparency, and people-first approach made the decision easy. The team took time to understand my business and its impact, which made the partnership feel supportive rather than transactional. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?  The funding allowed me to professionally produce and distribute my children's book series, invest in high-quality printing and illustration, and build the infrastructure needed to grow sustainably and reach more families and educators. What is on the horizon for you and your small business? I'm focused on expanding into schools and classrooms, growing the book series, and developing companion resources for parents and educators. My long-term goal is to normalize emotional literacy and neurodiversity in childhood education.  What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business?  I'm most excited about expanding impact—reaching more families, educators, and children, and hearing how these resources are making a difference in everyday moments.                                  Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16819/Small-Business-Spotlight--SLH-Creative-Group http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16670/New-Revolving-Loan-Fund-Available-to-Littleton-Businesses blog   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Hallie Kim, Barefoot PR hallie@barefootpr.com | 303-386-2488 New Revolving Loan Fund Available to Littleton Businesses  Colorado Enterprise Fund and the City of Littleton/Littleton Economic Development are teaming up to make more capital available to small businesses   DENVER (March 13, 2025) – New loan opportunities are coming to the City of Littleton with the help of Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF). Littleton is the latest municipality to join CEF's Community Loan Fund partnership, an innovative revolving loan program that creates funding opportunities for small businesses that can't obtain traditional funding. CEF, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), disburses the loans to small businesses in Littleton, and as the loans are repaid, funds are reinvested into new Littleton small business loans, thus, the capital stays in the community, sustaining the program for years to come.  "We're thrilled about this revolving loan fund for our community," City of Littleton Economic Development Director Rachel King said. "Providing capital to invest in our community will help build small businesses, drive community development, and help both create and retain jobs."  Creating a robust and resilient economy is a priority for the City of Littleton, with ongoing efforts to provide small businesses with the opportunity to establish roots and thrive in the community. As costs continue to rise, Littleton recognizes the hardships business owners are facing and remains committed to supporting the business community through many avenues, including the Community Loan Fund. This fund was established to provide additional support for entrepreneurs and business owners facing barriers to traditional financing. The goal of this resource is to attract, retain, and grow businesses that contribute to the needs and interests of both residents and visitors. "This partnership with the Littleton Economic Development department is a great example of what it means to make an impact on the communities we serve," CEF Chief Operating Officer Nim Patel said. "Through the Community Loan Fund we are able to support small businesses that are the fabric of the Littleton community."   Interested businesses in Littleton can apply for microloans with a fixed rate up to $50K. (If a larger loan is needed, CEF has other loan products to supplement this microloan.) Terms vary based on use and amount but can be up to 60 months. The loan uses include working capital, equipment, inventory, lease payments, commercial loan obligations, refinance or debt consolidation, property improvements, or purchase of a business.  Since 2009, CEF has distributed more than $48 million through its Community Loan Funds to 12 cities and counties across Colorado. Littleton businesses interested in applying for the Littleton Revolving Loan Fund can find more information and apply here.                                                          ### About Colorado Enterprise Fund  Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is a nonprofit small business lender dedicated to supporting undercapitalized entrepreneurs start or grow their business. CEF, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), offers loans ranging from $10K to $1M for those who don't meet traditional financing guidelines, filling a vital void between conventional banking and high-interest alternatives. Beyond financing, CEF provides no-cost business coaching to support clients' growth and sustainability. CEF has disbursed over $441million in capital to 9,800 businesses statewide and is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026. For more information, visit: www.coloradoenterprisefund.org Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16670/New-Revolving-Loan-Fund-Available-to-Littleton-Businesses http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16185/Small-Business-Spotlight--The-Owl-Academy blog "We are deeply grateful for the support CEF has provided. Your partnership made it possible for us to open The Owl Academy and begin serving families in our community. We're excited to continue growing intentionally, creating jobs, and providing children with a safe, loving place to learn and thrive." – Andrea Johnson, Owner Littleton, CO | Early Childhood Education Center Owner: Andrea & Nick Johnson https://theowlacademyco.com/ Q&A with Owners, Andrea & Nick Johnson Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. The Owl Academy is a nature-inspired, Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood education center located in Littleton, Colorado. We provide full-time and part-time childcare and preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our classrooms are designed around developmental stages, from nurturing infant care to play-based preschool and pre-kindergarten programs that prepare children socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten and beyond. Our program is unique in that we combine a professional, high-quality curriculum with the warm, community-oriented feel of home-like care. Children spend significant time outdoors on our acre-plus campus, exploring gardens, natural play areas, and open space designed to spark curiosity and creativity. We opened as The Owl Academy in 2025, but our leadership team brings many years of experience in childcare and education. In a short time, we've built a thriving community of families who value respectful, child-led learning and the importance of balancing play, exploration, and preparation for the future. How did the idea for your business come about? As parents ourselves, we saw a lack of quality early education. Most centers meet basic needs, but children must feel safe and LOVED first to truly learn. We created The Owl Academy to provide that foundation and a more personal, community-focused alternative. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? What we love most is watching children grow, discover, and gain confidence each day. The joy of seeing them feel safe, loved, and excited to learn makes this work deeply meaningful and rewarding. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? We sought funding to launch The Owl Academy and cover monthly operational costs as well as furniture, fixtures, and equipment needed to open. This support allowed us to create a high-quality environment for children and focus on serving families from the very beginning. How did you find out about CEF?  We learned about CEF through a community referral. Other small business owners spoke highly of the support they received, and it felt like the right fit for helping us get The Owl Academy off the ground. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? We chose CEF as our lender because they offer so much more than funding. Their additional services—like marketing support, business guidance, and even legal resources—showed us they truly invest in the long-term success of their borrowers. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? The funding from CEF allowed us to open the doors of The Owl Academy, creating 10 jobs with more on the way as we continue to grow. It also gave families a safe, nurturing place for their children and strengthened our community by supporting both working parents and early childhood education. What is on the horizon for you and your small business? On the horizon, we're focused on continuing to grow intentionally—honoring our facility as a community hub, opening more classrooms, and welcoming new families, all while maintaining the strong sense of connection that makes The Owl Academy special. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business?   Yes. The Business Navigation team has helped us reflect on our goals, think strategically about growth, and stay grounded in our mission. Their guidance has been invaluable in giving us perspective and tools to build a stronger foundation for The Owl Academy.                               Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16185/Small-Business-Spotlight--The-Owl-Academy http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16082/How-CEF-Helped-Nederland-Businesses-After-Devastating-Fire blog How CEF Helped Nederland Businesses After Devastating Fire On October 9, 2025, a devastating fire destroyed the Caribou Village Shopping Center in Nederland, Colorado, leaving 21 local businesses in ruins. In the immediate aftermath, the community rallied together. A local realtor, Dan Vollmer, quickly launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $291,245, a testament to the generosity of neighbors helping neighbors. But as the campaign gained momentum, a new challenge emerged: how to distribute nearly $300,000 to affected businesses in a way that was fair, legal, and wouldn't create unintended tax burdens for the organizer or recipients. That's where Colorado Enterprise Fund stepped in. From Generous Gesture to Complex Distribution What begins as a kind-hearted fundraising effort can quickly become complicated. Without proper administration, large GoFundMe distributions can create significant tax liabilities and legal headaches. The original organizer faced the daunting task of managing nearly $300,000 in distributions, complete with IRS reporting requirements, identity verification, and proper documentation, all while business owners desperately needed access to these funds. As the saying goes, "It takes a village," Dan turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serving Boulder County to see if they could help.  While SBDCs throughout the state are an amazing resource for small businesses, they are not set up to provide fiscal agent/grant administration services.  Sarah Wood, Boulder SBDC Director, reached out to CEF, knowing CEF had helped out the City of Boulder and Boulder County with grant administration during COVID.  CEF, as a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution with extensive experience administering grant programs for local governments and community organizations, was uniquely positioned to help. We stepped in as a fiscal agent, taking on the complex administrative work at no cost to the affected businesses. Behind the Scenes: The Work Required Distributing disaster relief funds isn't as simple as sending money through Venmo. It was further complicated by the fact that this fundraiser was intended to support all affected businesses, while other fundraising efforts only assisted a select group of individuals or businesses. CEF handled the critical but time-consuming work that ensured everything was done properly and legally. This included collecting W-9 forms from all recipients, verifying banking information and proper identification, issuing 1099 tax forms, and maintaining documentation for IRS compliance. Given the size of the fund, GoFundMe required CEF to submit documentation proving we were a reputable nonprofit organization before releasing the funds. Our established track record and credentials made this process smoother, but it still required careful coordination. Community Decision-Making One of the most challenging aspects was determining how to distribute the funds among the 21 affected businesses. Many of the businesses were in survival mode and somebody needed to take the lead to help move it forward. This is where one of the owners, Barb Hardt, helped facilitate the discussion. It took a couple of weeks of dialogue, but rather than imposing a formula, the majority of the business owners agreed to divide the money evenly. In a remarkable show of community spirit, one owner even chose to forgo their share so others could receive more. Fast-Tracking Recovery Time was critical. Business owners needed these funds quickly to secure new leases, purchase inventory, and keep employees on payroll. Despite the complexity, CEF completed the entire distribution process in approximately two weeks, which is remarkably fast considering we had to transfer funds from GoFundMe, collect documentation from 20 businesses, and process all distributions with proper legal safeguards. Several CEF staff members worked extensive hours behind the scenes to expedite the process. Bard Hardt mentioned, "If CEF had not been involved, the distribution would have taken longer.  CEF kept everything moving smoothly and efficiently." While we typically charge an administrative fee for grant distribution services due to the time investment required, we provided this service completely free of charge. Supporting Colorado's small business community, especially in times of crisis, is central to our mission. When disaster strikes, the path to recovery requires more than financial resources. It requires expertise, coordination, and organizations willing to step up and help. We're honored to have played a role in helping these Nederland businesses begin rebuilding their livelihoods.     Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16082/How-CEF-Helped-Nederland-Businesses-After-Devastating-Fire http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16083/Small-Business-Spotlight--Solutions-Machining blog "Your organization has shown me that success is possible, even for someone with my financial circumstances. Your support has changed my life and made me more optimistic as a person. I sincerely want to thank you all for the confidence you've instilled and the vocation you've chosen to undertake for others." – Michael Green, Owner Arvada, CO | Machine Shop Business Acquisition Owner: Michael Green www.solutionsmachining.net Q&A with Owner, Michael Green Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Opened in 1992, Solutions Machining has been serving the CNC-machined components sector of Colorado for 33 years and counting. I am proud to say that I am next in line to carry on the tradition of employee turned owner of this company as the fourth successor. As a wholesale distributor, the company serves other companies directly with component parts and products for a variety of sectors including automotive, energy, waterjet, stage lighting, electronics, and various others. We are proud to have 10 CNC machines with a wide set of capabilities, a 5,000 square foot facility, and all of the accessories and complimentary equipment accumulated over 30 years of operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency in machining. How did the idea for your business come about? While I was the General Manager of Solutions Machining, I was approached by a business that needed some parts made. I arranged to make the parts by renting machine time from my employer. I decided that owning my own shop was a possibility when my customer was pleased with the work I had done. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I have always enjoyed the machining process and the fulfillment of holding a part that I personally made in my hands. My career began in 2004, working in machine shops that supported the oil and gas industry. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? When the former owners of Solutions Machining told me that they were planning on selling I knew that the biggest hurdle to ownership would be funding. Most other lending institutions were only interested in my business history, but CEF focused on my qualifications. Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business.  Lenders that I dealt with previous to CEF were primarily interested in business history. CEF realized that, as the General Manager of the company for the past 4 years and an employee of 9 years, the company's business history was intertwined with my personal history and work experience. What was your experience like in working with CEF? My experience with CEF was extremely positive and encouraging. They made me feel seen, heard, and respected throughout the process. They guided me through situations I was unfamiliar with, informed me as they progressed through their process, and advocated for me throughout. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I purchased the business' assets at asking price in its entirety and was able to move all of the equipment to a new, more affordable space without having to endure the loss of revenue during that period. They solely are the reason I am where I am today. What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process? Having the chance to talk to someone who is experienced in my situation kept me sane on more than one occasion. Sometimes having people tell you that "you got this" or "you can do it, just keep trying" isn't enough to help you sleep at night; the coaches have the answers to the questions that you need to understand to feel comfortable. It's nice for someone to tell you that they think you can do something, but what we all need, as owners, is to be able to tell ourselves that we can do this, but the only way you can know you can do something is if you understand what it is you need to do.                            Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16083/Small-Business-Spotlight--Solutions-Machining http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16049/Colorado-Enterprise-Fund-Wraps-Fiscal-Year--Distributes--18M-to-Small-Businesses-Across-the-State blog   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Hallie Kim, Barefoot PR hallie@barefootpr.com | 303-386-2488 Colorado Enterprise Fund Wraps Fiscal Year, Distributes $18M to Small Businesses Across the State   DENVER (December 3, 2025) – Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is proud to announce it deployed $18,085,922 through 185 loans during its most recent fiscal year (FY) that ended September 30, 2025. Of the $18M, 46 loans totaling $7,829,700 were SBA 7(a) guaranteed loans. "It's our mission to support small businesses, drive economic development and create jobs," said Ceyl Prinster, CEF President and CEO. "This milestone represents the commitment we have to our Colorado communities and we are very thankful for the opportunity to create stability for small businesses and entrepreneurs." The average loan amount in FY25 was $97,762, with the median at $51,580. This is a significant increase from FY24, showing that small businesses need larger loans for long-term, sustainable growth. Some small businesses that CEF supported in FY25 were: Berthoud Pet Supply Bluebird Branding Booey's Bakery Champagne Tiger Colorado Conservatory of Dance COR-Golf D Brooke Salon Dream Wolf Arts Fitch Ranch Artisan Meat Green Machine Grease Busters Happy Bean Coffee Company The Labs Climbing The Neighbor Tumbleseed Wild Water Plumbing Renaissance Preschool And more... In FY25, CEF was honored as Small Business Administration's (SBA) Colorado 7(a) Small Lender of the Year. This honor follows a year of strong performance in FY24, during which the organization significantly increased its SBA 7(a) lending. By advancing its strategic focus to provide larger 7(a) loans - up to $350,000 – and other financing options up to $1M, CEF expanded its ability to meet the needs of Colorado small businesses that face challenges accessing traditional financing. CEF's commitment to supporting small business and driving economic development goes beyond providing loans. CEF provides free business navigation services (coaching & education) to borrowers for the life of their loan.  In FY25, CEF's business navigation team delivered over 12,000 hours of specialized support spanning finance, marketing, human resources, management and other critical business functions. Looking ahead in FY26, CEF is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone - 50 years of empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs across Colorado. It's an exciting year to honor our legacy of impact while building momentum for the next fifty years of opportunity and growth. ### About Colorado Enterprise Fund Founded in 1976, Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) provides free coaching services and loans up to $1M to finance small businesses and startups unable to obtain funding through traditional means. CEF has disbursed more than $442 million in capital to over 9,800 businesses. A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CEF is based in Denver with lending services available statewide. CEF makes a positive impact on Colorado's economy by accelerating community prosperity through its financing and support of entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. For more information, visit: www.coloradoenterprisefund.org.   Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/16049/Colorado-Enterprise-Fund-Wraps-Fiscal-Year--Distributes--18M-to-Small-Businesses-Across-the-State http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15974/Don-t-Fall-for-Fake-UCC-Forms blog Don't Fall for Fake UCC Forms: A Warning for Small Business Owners  As a small business owner, you're juggling countless responsibilities—and scammers know it. They're counting on you being too busy to notice the red flags in their sophisticated schemes. One scam targeting businesses across Colorado involves fake UCC Statement Request Forms that look surprisingly legitimate.  Understanding Your Public Information  When you secure a loan for your business, certain information becomes part of the public record. Your lender files a UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statement with the Colorado Secretary of State. This filing protects the lender's interest in your collateral and includes details like your business name, address, and lender information. Here is a link to the CO Secretary of State to view information available on a CO business.  Because these filings are public record, anyone can access them. Scammers regularly search these databases, harvest your information, and use it to create convincing forms that appear to come from official sources—or even from your own lender.  The Scam Revealed  These fraudulent forms arrive by mail and look official, complete with legal language and your lender's correct information. They request payment (often $95-$150) for UCC statement copies or filings you supposedly need.  Here's the catch: buried in the fine print, you'll find a disclaimer stating: "CO UCC Statement Services is not affiliated with any state or government agency and this notice is a solicitation, you are not required to use our services."  This single sentence reveals the truth—it's not an official document, it's a sales pitch designed to separate you from your money.  Protect Your Business  Read the fine print. Always examine any official-looking correspondence carefully before responding. Legitimate government agencies and lenders clearly identify themselves.  Never call numbers on suspicious forms. If you receive something questionable, look up your lender's or the government agency's contact information independently and call them directly to verify.  Question payment requests. Ask yourself: Why would I suddenly owe money for something I didn't request? Legitimate UCC filings are handled between your lender and the state—you typically don't need to pay for additional copies unless you specifically request them.  Guard your information. Be cautious about sharing personally identifiable information (PII) with anyone who contacts you unsolicited.  When in Doubt, Reach Out  If you're uncertain about any document's legitimacy, contact your lender or the Colorado Secretary of State directly. It takes just a few minutes to verify—and could save you hundreds of dollars and potential identity theft headaches.  Remember: scammers rely on confusion and urgency. By staying informed and skeptical, you protect not just your wallet, but your business's security.  See Example Below     Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15974/Don-t-Fall-for-Fake-UCC-Forms http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15827/Small-Business-Spotlight--Champagne-Tiger blog "The funding we received from CEF allowed us to open our diner only 45 days after we signed the lease. We stayed on schedule and on budget because we were able to open with confidence that we were properly funded." – Chris Donato, Owner Denver, CO | Food & Beverage Services Start-Up Business Owner: Chris Donato www.champagnetiger.com Q&A with Owner, Chris Donato Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Champagne Tiger is a high energy French American Diner on East Colfax. Serving playful menu classics in a mid-century 1960s diner. Comfortable to be in and easy to enjoy every day is an invitation to celebration. Hosting Pasta & Piano night every Wednesday, $5 Martini Lunch on Fridays and Denver's Most Luxurious Drag Brunch every Sunday. How did the idea for your business come about? Champagne Tiger operated as a pop-up series for 3 years before opening on E Colfax. The vision is to bring together the finer things normally reserved for fancy restaurants, in a fun, energetic & welcoming queer space. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? The diner is located on East Colfax - the most Denver street in the City. We love that the street has mostly independent business and attracts so many different types of people. You can drink at a dive bar, go see a show at the Fillmore, get a great cocktail with us. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? We started raising capital from generous friends and family but had a couple of issues closing the last gap in our financing. After talking to the city we didn't qualify for their loan program and needed to find help quickly to secure the lease. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? Our current restaurant space came on the market suddenly and we raised capital to open the business in 4 months. A previous loan we were counting on fell through but CEF was able to help us get back on track quickly. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? The process was easier - other city sponsor loans required so much work to submit to. After we submitted they wanted us to resubmit again and again to update information. CEF was one submission, one time. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? The funding were received from CEF allowed us to open our diner only 45 days after we signed the lease. We stayed on schedule and on budget because we were able to open with confidence that we were properly funded. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. Our first year of business has been amazing! The support from the whole community and the number of regular guests that visit often is due to the loan we received. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? We are looking forward to the BRT construction moving away from our business. After a wonderful first year we've seen a decrease in business since our road became closed and guests can't access our business.                          Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15827/Small-Business-Spotlight--Champagne-Tiger http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15840/Is-It-Time-to-Buy-Commercial-Real-Estate- blog From Tenant to Owner: Is It Time to Buy Commercial Real Estate?  As your business grows, you may find yourself wondering: should I continue leasing or take the leap into commercial property ownership? This decision can significantly impact your company's financial future, so it's worth carefully weighing your options.   The Benefits of Ownership  Owning commercial real estate offers compelling advantages for established small businesses. Perhaps most significantly, your monthly payments build equity rather than simply covering rent—essentially turning an operating expense into a long-term investment. A fixed-rate mortgage protects you from unpredictable rent increases, giving you cost certainty for years to come.  Property ownership also provides greater control over your business environment. You're no longer subject to a landlord's restrictions or unexpected policy changes. Need to renovate? Install specialized equipment? The decision is yours. If you purchase a larger property, you can even generate additional income by leasing excess space to other tenants.  Beyond immediate benefits, commercial real estate can build generational wealth, creating an asset that appreciates over time and can be passed down or sold for retirement.    The Challenges to Consider  However, ownership isn't without its drawbacks. The financial commitment is substantial—you'll need capital for a down payment, and you'll bear full responsibility for maintenance, repairs, and property management. That aging HVAC system or leaking roof? It's your problem to solve and fund.  Ownership also reduces flexibility. If your business outgrows the space or needs to relocate, you can't simply move at lease-end. You'll need to sell or become a landlord yourself, adding complexity to your operations.  The financial risk extends beyond the mortgage. Property values can fluctuate, and if your business struggles, you're still responsible for the building expenses.    Making Your Decision  The right choice depends on your business's financial stability, growth trajectory, and long-term goals. If you're established with predictable cash flow and plan to stay in your location for many years, ownership may be your smartest move. However, if flexibility and minimal capital commitment are priorities, leasing might better serve your current needs.    We're Here to Support Your Journey Whatever path you choose, Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF)  is ready to help you move forward. Looking to enhance your leased space with tenant improvements? Need working capital to keep operations running smoothly? We've got you covered.  If you're ready to purchase but face a funding gap between what traditional banks will lend and what you need, our financing solutions can bridge that difference. And for entrepreneurs who don't fit the conventional lending mold, our commercial real estate loans are designed specifically with you in mind. Your business deserves financial partners who understand the unique challenges small business owners face. Let's talk about how we can help you achieve your real estate and business goals. Learn more about CEF loans by visiting www.coloradoenterprisefund.org/loans Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15840/Is-It-Time-to-Buy-Commercial-Real-Estate- http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15826/Small-Business-Spotlight--Fortissimo-Denver blog "I was blown away by how much CEF cared about me as a person and about my business. They really wanted to learn about the business they would be supporting." – Sharon Scheminske, Owner Denver, CO | Women-Owned Food & Beverage Services Business Owner: Sharon Scheminske www.fortissimoduelingpianos.com Q&A with Owner, Sharon Scheminske Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Fortissimo Denver is an entertainment venue and cocktail bar located at 14th and Champa in Denver's Theater and Convention district. We hosts dueling piano shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays along with other live music shows including Broadway singalongs, jazz jams, and more. How did the idea for your business come about? The idea for my business grew out of my desire to bring people together after the pandemic. I wanted to provide a place for people to remember the good times, connect with each other, and belong in the Denver community again. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. Fortissimo customers live, work, and play in the city of Denver. They are interested in nightlife, live music, and craft food and drinks. Our customers are friendly, interactive, and happy to be out on the town. We love when our customers feel like our house is their house. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? Banks and other lenders were not on board with lending to a business with fewer than 24 months of financial records, so Fortissimo needed an alternative source of funding in order to continue growing. How did you find out about CEF? I found out about CEF from a contact at Denver Economic Development & Opportunity. He said that CEF was very easy to work with and that they cared about the success of my business on a personal level. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? I had been searching for a lender for several months before I connected with CEF, and I was blown away by how much they cared about me as a person and about my business. They really wanted to learn about the business they would be supporting. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? The funding I received from CEF gave me the ability to update the kitchen so Fortissimo could handle catering orders for private events. We are now able to serve large groups of convention goers and show them a good time while they are in Denver. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. Most of the defining moments for me have been around team building. I pride myself on having a positive impact on the people who work at Fortissimo. We have figured out how to hire people that really fit with the culture and community of our team. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? In the next 3-6 months, we are looking forward to being open more. We will be hosting more private events, and we will be working with more musical groups. Finally, we are thinking of hosting a drag brunch starting on Sundays in November. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? The funding Fortissimo received from CEF came at a very pivotal time in our journey to success. Thank you to the CEF team for helping us keep this dream alive!                          Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15826/Small-Business-Spotlight--Fortissimo-Denver http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15657/Small-Business-Spotlight--Picturesque-Impressions blog "CEF stood out by offering mentorship, guidance on my proposal and financials, and expert support through the loan process. Their personalized approach made them the best fit for my business" – BreAnna Borah, Owner Aurora, CO | Women-Owned Retail Services Start-Up Business Owner: BreAnna Borah IG: ez_bre_zzy_creations Q&A with Owner, BreAnna Borah Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Picturesque Impressions is a creative, mission-driven business that operates with a dual focus. On one side, we create character-licensed children's books and products that promote emotional intelligence, communication skills, and kindness. We believe those core values are often underrepresented in traditional education. Our flagship character, Ratticus Finch, helps children navigate real-world emotions in relatable and engaging ways. On the other side, we offer Impressionism-inspired artwork through commissioned paintings, customizable prints, and art-based products. These pieces are designed to bring personal stories to life through expressive, timeless brushwork. Founded in 2022, Picturesque Impressions is currently based in Colorado and operates from a dedicated home studio space. All of our products are offered online, allowing us to reach families, educators, and art lovers across the country. As we grow each year, our mission remains clear: to create meaningful, culturally enriching products that support emotional development and artistic appreciation. How did the idea for your business come about? Before starting my business, I was a preschool teacher passionate about emotional intelligence, kindness, and creativity. I launched Picturesque Impressions to share meaningful stories for kids and offer expressive, story-rich art inspired by Impressionism. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. I serve families who value emotional growth and art lovers seeking meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether it's helping kids build empathy or creating custom art, I'm inspired by how intentional and passionate my customers are. They remind me why I started this journey. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? While searching for business funding, I found a helpful loan checklist on the Colorado Office of Economic Development site. The site led me to Colorado Enterprise Fund, and I'm so grateful it did. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? Finding funding was challenging as a new business. I searched for about six months and applied to a few nonprofits. Colorado Enterprise Fund stood out by offering the support and resources I needed to successfully move forward. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? CEF stood out by offering mentorship, guidance on my proposal and financials, and expert support through the loan process. Their personalized approach made them the best fit for my business. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? The funding helped me set up a dedicated art and fulfillment workspace. Also, the funding allowed me to begin licensing my children's book character, a big step in expanding my brand. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? My 1–5 year plan includes building a creative workspace, licensing characters, expanding into schools, and growing my art and book sales. Long term, I aim to become a globally recognized brand with products in major retail stores and a children's TV partnership. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business? Yes. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? Verde Valley First Books in Arizona purchased 550 copies of The Bad Raccoon: Show and Tell to teach kindness in their program. It was an exciting milestone and a great example of how our stories support social-emotional learning. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? For any small business owner searching for guidance and support, look no further than CEF. They go above and beyond in providing valuable, no-cost resources and information to help business owners succeed. Their dedication truly makes a difference.                          Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15657/Small-Business-Spotlight--Picturesque-Impressions http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15655/Small-Business-Spotlight--C-S-Janitorial-Services blog "When traditional banks turned me down, CEF stepped in with the funding that allowed me to keep my doors open." – Christina Scott, Owner Colorado Springs, CO | Professional Services Business Owner: Christina Scott Q&A with Owner, Christina Scott Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. My business has been serving Colorado Springs for 20 years, providing commercial building cleaning and residential home cleaning. What was the process like to start your small business? I started my business 20 years ago with just $5,000 as a contractor. What neighborhood is your business located in? I'm located south part of the Colorado Springs, Colorado. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? Due to Covid 19, my business slowed down and Colorado Enterprise Fund provided me the funds to keep my company open. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? I went to traditional bank for a small loan at the time and was denied based due to not having enough business. What was your experience like in working with CEF? It went very well after getting them the proper paperwork in line. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? CEF stepped in with the funding that allowed me to keep my doors open. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? Hope to get more contracts and keep business growing. Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15655/Small-Business-Spotlight--C-S-Janitorial-Services http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15528/Small-Business-Spotlight--Infrared-Salt-Therapy blog "I appreciate the confidence CEF had in my business expansion plans. It seems to be working out quite well, thank you!" – Todd Olson, Owner Boulder, CO | Health Services Business Owner: Todd Olson www.infraredsalttherapy.com Q&A with Owner, Todd Olson Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. In business since 2021, we offer private infrared sauna sessions combined with salt therapy for the lungs and skin. We also offer red-light therapy, cold plunges, and bodywork. We are located in the Mandala Clinic/ Mock Realty building at 825 South Broadway. How did the idea for your business come about? I got good results for asthma from salt therapy sessions. I didn't get financing for "Salty Yoga Studios" at first- with the intention to lay people over bolsters in restorative yoga poses while breathing the salty air. I did get financing for a smaller project though, and that was my start. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? I am right on South Broadway a half block from Whole Foods and other amenities in the nearby mall. Just close enough to all of that but far enough to have ample parking. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? An attractive room opened up in my building and the timing was right to expand- adding a cold plunge room with another salt/sauna and a red-light therapy table. I knew I could make the room into a healthy sanctuary. How did you find out about CEF? I sought advice from Colorado's Small Business Association and they recommended CEF. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? The rates were good and it seemed a good fit for my fledgeling business. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I remodeled an expansion room and equipped it with a deluxe cold plunge with aromatherapy diffuser and a 4-person infrared sauna. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. Having only a room with a salt/sauna at first was a challenge in the slow months while taking on other opportunities. Summers were tough! But now I can focus on my business full time with a cold plunge room added. I expect to be busy year-round and I have further expansion plans in the fall. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? After expansion I had four record-breaking revenue months in a row. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I appreciate the confidence CEF had in my business expansion plans. It seems to be working out quite well, thank you! Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15528/Small-Business-Spotlight--Infrared-Salt-Therapy http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15511/Small-Business-Spotlight--Shrunk-3D blog "We started our small business when we purchased the Shrunk 3D mobile scanning studio thanks to funding from CEF." – Nick Conklin, Owner Thornton, CO | Startup Manufacturing Services Business Owner: Nick Conklin www.shrunk3d.com Q&A with Owner, Nick Conklin Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Shrunk 3D: photography meets 3D printing! We create 3D photos of yourself, your loved ones & pets. My first dollar was earned this past Halloween, but I have been establishing a C-Corp and doing due diligence on the franchise acquisition for over a year. How did the idea for your business come about? I am one of the countries leading 3D scanning practitioners & have worked in additive manufacturing for a decade. I saw the demand for this product on now legacy printers that were not consumer ready. Advances in 3D scanning collided with advances in 3D printing enabling a consumer ready product. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? My franchise territory covers all the major CO ski destinations. From a biz view this is prime territory for the tourism & how many events are being held. From a lifestyle view I am a huge ski bum & own land in Leadville that I want to move to but first had to secure a source of income. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? We needed to purchase the Shrunk booth while maintaining enough personal capital to purchase a vehicle capable of towing the mobile studio. To make matters worse, in addition to loosing my primary income of the cybersecurity position, my vehicle got totaled so I did not even have a trade in! Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. I was let go from my cybersecurity R&D position during the franchise purchase. This complicated finance qualifications and I also intended to work the job while building the franchise in the background. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? CEF was able to collateralize my home equity. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We purchased the Shrunk 3D mobile scanning studio thanks to funding from CEF. We had already paid for the franchise territory using retirement funds via the ROBS process. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? New products, new equipment that will be able to be run autonomously allowing greater reach than our manned mobile studio. Networking with event & wedding planners. We have recently been listed on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Batch. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business?Supporting the Special Olympics Colorado two weekends in a row. The first was the Winter State Games at Copper Mountain. The following we attended the JETKids CO Sky Invitational Gymnastics Meet - a fundraiser for the Special Olympics & a portion of our revenue was given to the host gym to donate. Fri, 15 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15511/Small-Business-Spotlight--Shrunk-3D http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15480/Small-Business-Spotlight--Colorado-Assessment-and-Treatment-Center blog "We were able to pay off high interest loans with a lower interest rate loan, improving our cash flow with the funding we received from CEF." – David Yingling, Owner Denver, CO | Professional Services Business Owner: David Yingling www.catc.us Q&A with Owner, David Yingling Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We provide outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment in the Denver and Northern Colorado regions. We have been in Business since 1995. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? I had the privilege of mentorship from the previous owner, and the opportunity for transfer of ownership to me came about, so I felt prepared, and enthusiastic about the possibility. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. Our clients are frequently involved in the criminal justice system. We provide evaluations amd treatment for people needing support to maintain sobriety or stable mental health. Most of our clients are in a low income or poverty situation. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? We struggled through and afyer thr pandemic, and accumulated debt to stay open. CEF provided a lower interest rate opportunity to restructure our debt and improve cash flow. How did you find out about CEF? I am a personal friend with Haroun Cowens, who conmected me directly with CEF. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Everyone was very informative and helpful throughout thebentire process, and oir unique circumstances were considered. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We were able to pay off high interest loans with a lower interest rate loan, improving our cash flow. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We are hoping to continue to grow, serving more clients in the Denver and Northern Colorado regions. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? The Navigation team met with me and provided some valuable insight, advice, and motivation regarding marketing strategies. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? We recently were awarded a Statewide Probation Contract, allowing us to be a mental health and substance abuse provider for people involved in the state probation system. Fri, 01 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15480/Small-Business-Spotlight--Colorado-Assessment-and-Treatment-Center http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15411/Blog-Podcasts-with-Aspen-Institute blog Check out these two blog/podcast sessions regarding quality jobs and how investing in employees helps small businesses How Investors Are Prioritizing Job Quality in Small Business Lending Source: Aspen Institute Blog: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/job-quality-and-capital/ The Importance of Partnerships in Implementing a Job Quality Strategy Source: Aspen Institute Blog: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/the-importance-of-partnerships-in-implementing-a-job-quality-strategy/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15411/Blog-Podcasts-with-Aspen-Institute http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15377/Small-Business-Spotlight--Abundance-Health-Care blog "With CEF funding, I was able to purchase equipment and hire an additional employee." – La Tasha Bruner-Hill Owner CO Springs, CO | Women-Owned Health Care Services Business Owner: La Tasha Bruner-Hill www.myabundancehealthcare.org Q&A with Owner, La Tasha Bruner-Hill Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. At Abundance, we provide personalized, patient-centered care that prioritizes the patient's unique health needs and goals. Our approach focuses on building long-term relationships with each patient, ensuring comprehensive care that is tailored specifically to the patient. Whether it's providing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, or navigating everyday health concerns, our experienced team works closely with each patient to create customized care plans that promote your well-being. We believe in empowering patients through education, open communication, and shared decision-making, ensuring that every patient is informed and actively involved in their healthcare journey. With a focus on accessibility, we offer flexible scheduling, telehealth services, and a convenient patient portal to make your healthcare experience as seamless as possible. At Abundance, we are committed to being a trusted partner in health, providing compassionate, high-quality care that evolves with each patient's changing needs over time. The patient's health is our priority, and we are here to support them every step of the way. Abundance Health Care is located at 3225 International Circle STE 220 and have been in business since Septemeber 2023. How did the idea for your business come about? I've always had a passion for caring for others, especially the underserved. As a primary care provider, I wanted to offer quality care without the time constraints. After much prayer, training, and family conversations, Abundance Health Care was born—a place to provide the care patients deserve. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? With over 25 years in healthcare, I'm deeply passionate about witnessing the positive changes in my patients' lives. Seeing their health improve and knowing I've played a part in that journey is truly rewarding and fuels my commitment to providing the best care possible. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? A colleague referred me to CEF because of the support they were provided when they started their business. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? CEF was the first and only institution I approached for business funding. Before accessing funds for CEF, Abundance Health Care was funded by our ( my husband & I) personal funds. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Thus far, I have had a great experience working with CEF. The tools and programs they provide to assist small business owners to succeed are phenomenal. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? With CEF funding, I was able to purchase equipment and hire an additional employee. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? I see Abundance Health Care growing through strong partnerships with patients and organizations, working together to improve the health of those we serve. By doing so, we will create a positive ripple effect, enhancing the overall well-being of our community and fostering lasting, meaningful change. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? Janet has been a tremendous help with HR concerns. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? I look forward to the continued growth of Abundance Health Care, expanding our team with local talent. This will not only enhance community health but also positively impact its economic well-being.               Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15377/Small-Business-Spotlight--Abundance-Health-Care http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15296/Colorado-Small-Businesses-Could-Lose-Lifeline-as-Federal-Funding-Cuts-Take-Shape blog Source: Colorado Public Radio: https://www.cpr.org/2025/05/30/small-businesses-cdfi-federal-funding-cuts/   Fri, 30 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15296/Colorado-Small-Businesses-Could-Lose-Lifeline-as-Federal-Funding-Cuts-Take-Shape http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15235/Colorado-Enterprise-Fund-Named-SBA-Colorado-2025-7-a--Small-Lender-of-the-Year blog For Immediate Release Media Contact: Maria Miller, Barefoot PR maria@barefootpublicrelations.com | 303-847-1409  Colorado Enterprise Fund Named SBA Colorado 2025 7(a) Small Lender of the Year    DENVER - May 27, 2025 - Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) was recently awarded Small Business Administration (SBA) Colorado 7(a) Small Lender of the Year for 2025. "We are honored and grateful for this award. This award is a reflection of what CEF does – Lending with Impact." said Nim Patel, COO of Colorado Enterprise Fund. "This recognition is not just a reflection of hard work, but also a celebration of helping undercapitalized small business owners obtain the funding they need to start or grow their business." In FY24, CEF significantly increased its SBA 7(a) lending, supporting CEF's strategic focus to provide larger loans up to $350,000 to better meet the needs of Colorado small businesses that are not able to access traditional financing. CEF achieved remarkable growth, increasing from six SBA 7(a) loans in FY23 to 33 SBA 7(a) loans totaling over $6 million in FY24, a 450% increase YOY. These 33 SBA 7(a) loans created and retained 378 jobs in Colorado.  The 2025 SBA award follows CEF's 2024 award of SBA Colorado Community Lender of the Year. "We are proud of this recognition. This award was made possible by the hard work of our dedicated and talented staff as well as a broad range of community partner collaboration including the SBA, and our banking and economic development partners," added Patel.  About Colorado Enterprise Fund  Founded in 1976, Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) provides free coaching services and loans up to $1M to finance small businesses and startups unable to obtain funding through traditional means. CEF has disbursed more than $369 million in capital to over 9,500 businesses. A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CEF is based in Denver with lending services available statewide. CEF makes a positive impact on Colorado's economy by accelerating community prosperity through its financing and support of entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. For more information, visit: www.coloradoenterprisefund.org. ###   Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15235/Colorado-Enterprise-Fund-Named-SBA-Colorado-2025-7-a--Small-Lender-of-the-Year http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15033/Small-Business-Spotlight--Lighthouse-WholeHealth blog "I am just incredibly blessed to have been able to receive this funding from CEF and build a dream." – Jennifer Bergin, Owner Fort Collins, CO | Woman & Minority-Owned Health Services Start-Up Business Owner: Jennifer Bergin www.lhhealththerapies.com Q&A with Owner, Jennifer Bergin Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We are a multi-disciplinary clinic that offers mental health for ages 0-100yrs. On our pediatric wing we offer pediatric occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and feeding therapy. We also offer special education services, education advocacy and Orton Gillingham tutoring. How did the idea for your business come about? First off it was a promised I made to my grandmother when I was a young girl. She asked me to do something that brought the world a lot of light with the dark times we had gone through. Then when my son needed all of the medical services we provided. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I have been working with families and patients since 2002. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? I went to a large bank and connected me to CEF because I was asking for less than $300k. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? No, it was incredibly easy and quick. Very supportive services that I have absolutely taken advantage of! What was your experience like in working with CEF? Wonderful experience. Really knowledgeable and supportive team! What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I was able to build the clinic and rent a space! What's on the horizon for you and your small business? I will be opening up more locations! And adding services! Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? I have had coaching, brainstorming, supportive conversations and learning more indepth Quickbooks! What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? Wonderful feedback from our communities and referral sources. They are happy with our quality care and services. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I am just incredibly blessed to have been able to receive this funding from CEF and build a dream. I was also able to fulfill a promise that started when I was a young girl.               Fri, 16 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15033/Small-Business-Spotlight--Lighthouse-WholeHealth http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15161/The-5-Cs-of-Credit-and-Why-They-Matter blog There are mainly 5 Cs of Credit that financial institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) use to evaluate a loan request. This allows a lender to assess your credit risk and determine your ability to repay the loan. While all are important, some are given more weight than others depending on the lender.   Credit/Character: This is the borrower's credit history, reputation, and work experience. Traditional banks will typically put more emphasis on the credit report, as this track record shows how you have managed credit and payments in the past. Credit reports usually give you a number between 300-850. This is also referred to as a "FICO score." The higher the number, the better. Making sure your credit report is accurate helps to keep your credit score in good shape. The main three credit reporting agencies are Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. If you have a lower FICO score, be able to explain what contributed to the challenges at that time, such as medical bills, being laid off, divorce, etc.   While past credit is important, CEF also values the borrower's work experience. If a borrower is opening a plumbing business and is a master plumber with 10 years experience, this provides a greater comfort level than someone opening a plumbing business who has only been an apprentice for 6 months. If you don't have "direct" experience, be prepared to speak to "indirect" experience. An example is that you have managed a team before, so you have experience with hiring, budgeting, etc. Therefore, the lender is more comfortable with your ability to run an operation.   Capacity: This is the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. At CEF, we will look to see if the existing financials or the financial projections are able to support the loan.    Capital: This is how much a borrower is personally willing to invest in the business. The more a borrower is willing to contribute, the less risk the lender will need to take. At CEF, for a new business, generally, a minimum of 10% is required for the loan.   Collateral: These are assets that the borrower will pledge in order to help secure the loan. It's important the customer understands the value of the assets to be pledged. Generally, these are business assets, vehicles, or real estate. The more collateral you provide, the better a lender will feel that you are going to pay back the loan. However, a lender must assess the value of that collateral too. Equity in a home is generally considered more valuable than an old car.   Conditions: Conditions refer to external factors that can influence a loan request—many of which are outside of the borrower's control. These may include environmental or economic issues, the overall health and trends of the industry, and larger-scale influences like geopolitical risks or shifts in regulatory environments. Each lender evaluates loan applications differently. At Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), we are a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which means our lending guidelines are often more flexible than those of traditional financial institutions. This doesn't mean we operate as a charity, or that every applicant will qualify for a business loan. What it does mean is that we are mission-driven, and we work hard to make a meaningful impact on Colorado's small businesses and communities by providing access to capital that might not be available elsewhere.  Learn more about CEF loans by visiting www.coloradoenterprisefund.org/loans Written by: Alan Ramirez Director of Strategic Lending Colorado Enterprise Fund Wed, 14 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15161/The-5-Cs-of-Credit-and-Why-They-Matter http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15003/Small-Business-Spotlight--Sitruc-MedSpa blog "While working with CEF, I was able to get the education I needed as well as funding my consulting firm and purchase the products I needed to open." – Marlene Wyatt, Owner Boulder, CO | Woman-Owned Professional Services Business Owner: Marlene Wyatt www.sitrucmedspa.com Q&A with Owner, Marlene Wyatt Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. I'm a medical esthetics spa located in Lafayette Colorado. I currently off treatments in neurmotoxins (Botox,dysport), Fillers for face and lips, microneedling with or without PRP, for face and hair restoration. I am just starting my business. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? I have been a nurse in labor and delivery for 28 years and decided it's time in my life to do something new that I feel really passionate about! I'm offering services that I love to have done to me. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. My typical customer is someone like me looking to have treatments done to preserve their youthful appearance or to take a few years off. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? Well I didn't have the funds myself so I looked around to find funding to help me start my business and to also help me along the way! Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. Oh!!! Finding funding was not an easy path. I searched and searched, talked to many institutes for funding with no success! And to be honest I don't really remember how I came across CEF but what a blessing! This was still a lot of work but they listened and guided me along the way. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? They are the difference! They guide you and help you along the way, they also offer support with your small business! What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I was able to get the education I needed as well as funding my consulting firm and purchase the products I needed to open. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? On the horizon, I'm continuing my education to learn more and more about techniques and procedures to advance my skills. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? I have finally started to get customers and continue my efforts to get more and get out into the community as well.                             Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/15003/Small-Business-Spotlight--Sitruc-MedSpa http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14790/Beware-the-Hidden-Dangers-of-POS-Merchant-Cash-Advances blog Need cash fast for your business?  A merchant cash advance (MCA) from your Point-of-Sale (POS) provider may seem like an easy & quick solution- but it could lead to an overwhelming cycle of debt that's hard to escape.   MCAs are becoming more popular, but many small business owners only realize the risks after it's too late.  These cash advances are often considered "predatory" or "payday" loans, but in reality, they are not loans, they are cash advances and not subject to truth in lending requirements. MCAs provide money based on future credit/debit card sales. Yes, they are quick and easy with minimal documentation, but are difficult to pay back and lack the regulatory oversight that governs credit card issuers or traditional lenders since they are not true loans.    How Merchant Cash Advances Work and Why They're Risky  With an MCA, repayment is taken directly from your daily credit/debit card sales. Typically, the lender deducts 10% to 20% of your revenue—before you even see it. On the surface, this might seem manageable, especially for a short-term loan. However, these daily deductions can severely impact your cash flow, particularly during slower sales periods.  This repayment structure often leads to a dangerous cycle:  Cash Flow Strain: The POS/MCA provider collects their payment first, potentially leaving you without enough funds to cover payroll, vendor payments, or other operating expenses.  Debt Snowball: Struggling to make ends meet, many small business owners take out additional loans to cover shortfalls, creating a snowball effect of mounting debt to stay afloat.  Limited Financing Options: When cash flow is tight and profitability suffers, traditional lenders may be hesitant to offer refinancing or more affordable loan options, leaving you stuck in a high-cost borrowing loop.  Example:    POS/MCA company determines a factor rate, basically the interest rate. When converted to an annual percentage rate (APR), this can exceed 100%. The factor rate may seem low at first, but it's applied to the full loan amount, not just the remaining balance, so this is why the APR can well exceed 100%.   How many small businesses have a net profit margin so large that they can afford to give away 10% of it every day, even temporarily?   The Long-Term Effect of MCAs  POS/MCA financing is not just expensive, it can also create an unsustainable operating expense. Unlike a traditional loan with fixed interest rates, MCA repayment rates and terms can quickly deplete your profitability and threaten the sustainability of your business in the long run.     What You Can Do Instead  At Colorado Enterprise Fund, we've seen a growing number of businesses seeking to refinance their POS/MCA debt. If you have already fallen into this trap, CEF may be able to help.  We have helped several small business owners restructure costly MCAs, preserving their businesses, protecting their revenue, and safeguarding the jobs they provide.    Advantages of a loan from CEF are:   Loans structured to work with your business cash flow (net sales)   Fixed monthly payment rate so you know exactly what you need to pay each month.   Longer repayment terms  No prepayment fee if you pay off loan early  Terms are clear and understandable  While MCAs may provide quick funds, the risks often outweigh the benefits and can impact your business's financial health. Whether you choose a loan from CEF or another traditional lender, taking the time to pursue traditional financing rather than a merchant cash advance will likely provide greater long-term benefits for your business.  Written by: Becky Fuller Senior Credit Analyst Colorado Enterprise Fund Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14790/Beware-the-Hidden-Dangers-of-POS-Merchant-Cash-Advances http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14562/Colorado-nonprofit-lending-helping-hand-to-struggling-small-businesses blog Posted January 26, 2025 Discover how Rivers and Roads Coffee improved their financial situation after restructuring a fast-cash predatory loan that was impacting their cash flow. Denver 7 Feature Sun, 26 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14562/Colorado-nonprofit-lending-helping-hand-to-struggling-small-businesses http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14321/Small-Business-Spotlight--Wildflower-Studio blog " I liked that CEF was able to coach me through a lot of the paperwork & requirements for the loan. I don't think I would have gotten my loan without the coaching team!" – Bee Smith, Owner CO Springs, CO | Professional Services Start-Up Business Owner: Bee Smith https://wildflowerstudioco.com/ Q&A with Owner, Bee Smith Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. I am a floral design studio and gift shop. I offer a build your own bouquet bar, floral arrangements, delivery and I also sell gift items like jewelry, candles, etc. I also offer weekly design classes, funeral and event flowers. How did the idea for your business come about? I have been a florist for 15 years and I have managed two shops. I've always had ideas about things I would do if I had my own place and I decided to make that dream a reality! What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? My shop is in the Patty Jewitt Neighborhood of Colorado Springs. I love that this neighborhood is big on community. The other shops here work together to boost eachother and the customers frequently walk from home with their kids or dogs. It's a really nice little area close to downtown and parks. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? I knew I wanted to start a brick and mortar store but also knew that it would take a lot more money than I had to start. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? I was hitting wall after wall with banks and loan company's and finally found CEF. They were able to coach me through the loan process and help me get the funding I needed! What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? I liked that CEF was able to coach me through a lot of the paperwork and requirements for the loan. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? With the funding I received I was able to rent my location and install the coolers and sinks I needed to do my work as a floral designer. I was also able to furnish and decorate my store and stock it with items for sale. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? Yes. What difference has working with them made for your business? I don't think I would have gotten my loan without the coaching team! What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? I made a lot of good contacts through an Oktoberfest event where I sold bouquets and jewelry, I've taken some funeral work and am hoping to have more come in the future, and I hosted a class just last night where one of the students ended up placing a large order at the end of the night!                             Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14321/Small-Business-Spotlight--Wildflower-Studio http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14179/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mountainside-Bakery blog "With the funding from CEF, I was able to obtain a lease, work with contractors, and buy equipment for the space. A storefront would not be possible without the funding from CEF and I would have had to make a decision on whether to continue or not." – Laura Clark, Owner Evergreen, CO | Food & Beverage Retail Business Owner: Laura Clark https://mountainsidebakery.com/ Q&A with Owner, Laura Clark Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. I offer custom cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods with organic ingredients and natural food coloring. I also have high altitude baking tips and recipes on my blog. My products include a high altitude adjustment magnet and my cookbook that has my baking tips, frosting recipes, and cake recipes that are calculated for altitudes from sea level to 10,000 ft! How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? My journey to open a storefront is what lead me to Colorado Enterprise Fund. I really wanted to open a storefront, and I was looking at a few funding options to make that happen. A few people recommended Colorado Enterprise Fund so I decided to check them out. Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. It was difficult to find funding for my business, a lot of places do not cover tenant improvements. It took me a long time to get through the application process and I also had to get creative with my funding options. It definitely takes a lot of patience and will power to get through the process. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? I ended up going with CEF in the end because I had received some recommendations, and they were willing to work with tenant improvements. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? With the funding from CEF I am able to open a storefront in Evergreen, CO. I was able to obtain a lease, work with contractors, and buy equipment for the space. A storefront would not be possible without the funding from CEF and I would have had to make a decision on whether to continue or not. What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process? There is a lot to figure out, and keep in mind that things can take a lot longer than you think, especially the permitting process. It took over 4 1/2 months for me, so keep that in mind and try to negotiate for a decent grace period with your landlord. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? Yes. What difference has working with them made for your business? It has been good to get some guidance from someone who has a lot of experience with small businesses and can offer a different perspective. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? I am looking forward to opening my storefront location! I can wait to see the final result and share it with the community!                                             Fri, 15 Nov 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14179/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mountainside-Bakery http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14069/Small-Business-Spotlight--Axis-Integrated-Health blog "Working with CEF was different because they understood the importance of the social impact we were making and took that into consideration. So many banks really just care about the risk, the history, and whether they can make money. CEF truly valued the social impact as much as we did." – Liesl Perez, Owner Denver, CO | Woman & Minority-Owned Professional Services Business Owner: Liesl & Chris Perez www.axismh.com Q&A with Owner, Liesl Perez Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Axis Integrated Mental Health is an award-winning, locally owned and operated mental health practice specializing in treating the most challenging depression and anxiety cases. The clinic's board-certified mental health specialists combine modern psychiatry with evidence-based treatments and therapy to tailor a personalized and effective treatment plan for every patient. Since its foundation in 2019, the practice has expanded to serve communities in Aurora, Westminster and Louisville and has underwritten over $300K in free mental health care for the communities it serves. How did the idea for your business come about? When my kid was young, she was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. I didn't realize that Colorado was 50 out of 50 states for mental health, and that 79% of all antidepressant prescriptions were written by doctors, not mental health specialists. So we had to find a better way for her than what we had. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. Our patients have tried to recover from mental illness for a long time. They are interested in trying a new approach. What we love about them is seeing their transformation and the healing they bring to others when they recover. You can watch some of them here: //bit.ly/bravenotbroken What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? We wanted to open another clinic as we were struggling to meet the demand for our services. Colorado is now 45 out of 50 states for mental healthcare, and few clinics like ours offer insurance-covered treatments for ketamine and TMS. To help more people, we needed another facility. Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. It can be challenging for a stage 2 company like ours to find funding. We're not in survival phase but in growth phase. We tried to apply for traditional financing but because we didn't have enough history, we were turned down despite having positive cash-flow and nearly 500% growth. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? Working with CEF was different because they understood the importance of the social impact we were making and took that into consideration. So many banks really just care about the risk, the history, and whether they can make money. CEF truly valued the social impact as much as we did. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? Because of the funding we received from CEF, we are now able to offer exceptional mental healthcare to the Westminster community. We officially took in our first patients on June 3rd and are watching that clinic grow. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We want to continue to make an impact in the communities that need us the most. To this end, we are looking at opening a 4th clinic in rural Colorado, which has a serious shortage of mental health professionals and support. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? In addition to winning the Best of Mile High™ Award for Mental Wellness, we also were named a Colorado Company to Watch, as well as a Top 100 Woman Owned Business by Colorado Business Magazine. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Destigmatizing mental health isn't just something that clinics like ours influence. All of us can play a part in normalizing conversations about mental health and not judging people who need it. We are here for everyone and are happy to take new patients within 7 days or less.                                        Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14069/Small-Business-Spotlight--Axis-Integrated-Health http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14067/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mobile-Drone-Services blog "Working with CEF has been courteous, kind and extremely efficient. This is a first-class organization that really cares about cultivating a relationship from applicant through to new customer." – Dave Smith, Owner Colorado | Veteran-Owned Professional Services Start-Up Business Owner: Dave Smith www.mobiledroneservices.com Q&A with Owner, Dave Smith Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Mobile Drone Services provides precision aerial solutions to the commercial construction and industrial markets that saves our partners time and helps maximize their full-time resources, so they get things done within timeline and budget. We achieve this by leveraging enterprise-class drone technology, combined with modern software solutions, that can deliver highly accurate imagery that helps business owners make informed decisions. From progress reporting on new construction site, cell tower and wind turbine inspections, commercial and residential roof inspections to creating centimeter-level accurate maps being prepared for development, MDS can provide multiple solutions to a variety of industries. MDS is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business operating out of Greeley, Colorado and serving partners across Northern Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. In business for 1 year as of March 19, 2024, MDS has quickly built an array of local and National clients. Owned and operated by Dave Smith, a former Army Aviator who commanded a group of specially trained pilots as part of a global reaction force, Dave holds an BA in Economics, and an MBA from Colorado State University and is pursuing a Certificate in Advanced GIS/CAD at AIMS Community College. How did the idea for your business come about? By recognizing the intersection of technology with drones, I saw tremendous opportunities to help solve operational challenges that delivers valuable data and cost savings to decision makers in the industrial and commercial industries in Northern Colorado. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. My customers range from Construction Managers to Civil Engineers to Land Surveyors to National Insurance Firms. I love the diversity in my client's needs, and the opportunity to help solve problems that save time, resources and mitigate risk on the job site. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? I was seeking a partner that was familiar with lending to Veterans and would be open to developing a long-term relationship to help me achieve scale and balance as the business grows. How did you find out about CEF? I enjoyed a wonderful mentorship with a team from the East Colorado SBDC who made me aware of CEF and provided a wonderful introduction to the organization. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Courteous, kind and extremely efficient. This is a first-class organization that really cares about cultivating a relationship from applicant through to new customer. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I was able to ramp up operations almost immediately with the specialized drone airframes, custom computer processing platforms, data collection receivers and specialized certifications and training to be more marketable to a wider array of customers. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? As my portfolio of ongoing contracts grows, I'll need to make additional investments in drones with thermal and Lidar camera systems to help support emerging needs for FAA approved pilots trained in these areas of specialized data acquisition. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? They helped provide focus and realistic considerations when weighing how, when and why launching this business would make good fiscal sense. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? I've become a field pilot for two different national service providers, who regularly use my services as a subcontractor, to perform a variety of inspection and mapping projects. I love how these opportunities combine my knowledge and experience to best serve their client's needs.                Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/14067/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mobile-Drone-Services http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13959/Small-Business-Spotlight--Water-Bridge-Aquamation blog "The main difference is CEF's personal approach. I never felt like a number. Instead, I developed direct relationships their advisors, who supported me throughout the entire journey. They have continued to assist me during my startup phase, providing numerous resources to help ensure my success." – John Moody, Owner Denver, CO | Professional Services Start-Up Business Owner: John Moody waterbridgeaquamation.com Q&A with Owner, John Moody Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. At Water Bridge Aquamation, our mission is to provide pet owners with a compassionate and eco-friendly aftercare solution through the utilization of aquamation, a sustainable alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. With a commitment to reducing our ecological footprint and providing exceptional service to families during times of loss, we are here to help preserve the memory of your cherished pet while caring for our planet. In addition to aquamation services, we provide a range of memorial keepsakes including bamboo and biodegradable urns, custom glass pieces incorporating your pet's aquamated remains, clay paw impressions, ink nose prints, and fur clippings. Also, we have registered the effluent, the water byproduct from the aquamation process, as an all-natural fertilizer with Colorado's Department of Agriculture. Our fertilizer, Earth Glow, will be donated to local cemeteries, wildlife refuges, tree farms, and nurseries. Pet families can also request some if they choose. Water Bridge Aquamation is located in a 101-year-old home at 2364 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210. How did the idea for your business come about? Water Bridge Aquamation stems from my 14 year background as a mortician/funeral home manager.I've been excited to see the aquamation offered for humans,but it hasn't been available for pets.Pet families deserve greener and more gentle options for their beloved pets, who are often considered as family. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? Water Bridge Aquamation is situated in Denver's Rosedale neighborhood, a location we really enjoy. Just a block away from Harvard Gulch, our central position makes us easily accessible from all parts of the Denver Metro area. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? My journey brought me to CEF through recommendations from numerous advisors within the city and various businesses. How did you find out about CEF? I learned about CEF through recommendations from numerous advisors within the city and various businesses. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? The main difference is CEF's personal approach. I never felt like a number. Instead, I developed direct relationships their advisors, who supported me throughout the entire journey. They have continued to assist me during my startup phase, providing numerous resources to help ensure my success. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? Thanks to the funding from CEF, I was able to purchase a state-of-the-art pet aquamation unit. This unit allows us to perform eco-friendly, water-based cremation for pets, offering a greener, more compassionate aftercare solution. What is a recent success your small business would like to share? We were excited to welcome everyone for our ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 28th, and explore our facility, see our state-of-the-art aquamation unit, and learn more about the benefits of eco-friendly water cremation for pets. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? Working with the Business Navigation team has been extremly beneficial for making financial, marketing, and business relationship decisions. They have consistently been available to address my needs, offering invaluable insight and advice. I am especially grateful for Kristin McCarty's support! What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? In the next 3-6 months, we'll focus on building strong relationships with pet owners and the community, expanding our reach through events and partnerships with local vets and shelters.                Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13959/Small-Business-Spotlight--Water-Bridge-Aquamation http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13942/MacKenzie-Scott-Donates--7-Million-to-Colorado-Enterprise-Fund blog MacKenzie Scott donates $7 million to Colorado Enterprise Fund to boost small business growth across Colorado   DENVER (September 12, 2024) – Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is honored to announce a transformative $7 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The unrestricted gift, will further CEF's core mission of providing access to capital and coaching to small business owners that can't obtain financing through traditional financing. It comes at a moment as the organization reaches significant milestones, including surpassing $325 million in total capital disbursed (including loans, new markets tax credits, and grants).   "This generous gift is a testament to the positive impact CEF has had on small businesses across Colorado," said Ceyl Prinster, CEF President and CEO. "With this funding, we are further enabled to advance our mission of accelerating community prosperity by financing and supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses."   The $7 million donation from MacKenzie Scott is unrestricted, providing CEF with the flexibility to determine the best use of funds to make the most meaningful impact in the communities they serve.   It also comes at the tail end of CEF's fiscal year on September 30 and right after CEF's Small Business Success Summit, which brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders to share insights, provide education, and network with business experts and peers.   "This year has been one of tremendous growth and success for CEF and the communities we serve," said Nim Patel, CEF Chief Operating Officer. "MacKenzie Scott's donation is a powerful affirmation of the work we do every day to support small businesses across Colorado. We are deeply grateful for this financial support and honored that our impact is being noticed."     ###  About Colorado Enterprise Fund  Founded in 1976, Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) provides free coaching services and loans up to $1M to finance small businesses and startups unable to obtain funding through traditional means. CEF has disbursed more than $325 million in capital to over 8,400 businesses. A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CEF is based in Denver with lending services available statewide. CEF makes a positive impact on Colorado's economy by accelerating community prosperity through its financing and support of entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. For more information, visit: www.coloradoenterprisefund.org. Media Contact: Gail Bransteitter, Barefoot PR gail@barefootpr.com | 303-859-3540   Fri, 13 Sep 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13942/MacKenzie-Scott-Donates--7-Million-to-Colorado-Enterprise-Fund http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13832/Small-Business-Spotlight--Lighthouse-Early-Care-and-Education blog "Since I've received funding, I've been able to sustain by operating my costs, purchasing supplies and materials, and paying off credit card debt." – Jackie Lujan, Owner CO Springs, CO | Woman & Minority-Owned Child Care Services Business Owner: Jackie Lujan www.thelighthouseddc.com Q&A with Owner, Jackie Lujan Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We offer high quality child care for children ages 2 to 12 years old, located in the Southeast community of Colorado Springs. I've been in business for almost 2 years and recently partnered with Pikes Peak United Way in offering child care within their new, Family Success Center. We continue to build and strengthen partnerships with local organizations to expand child care services and ensure that high-quality child care is accessible to more families in the community, particularly in child care deserts. How did the idea for your business come about? As my journey began, my husband and I started making major faith moves, I like to call them. We sold our home and became investors in early childhood education. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? We recently moved to our 2nd location in the Southeast community of Colorado Springs. What I love about our new center is the collaboration we have established with United Way in offering more child care slots in an area that is within a child care desert. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding At this time, my business consultant, Heather McBroom advised me of the tranforming safety grant that would be available for my business since I was located in 80910. I took a leap of faith and applied and thankful I was able to secure the funding we needed for operational costs. How did you find out about CEF? I actually attempted to secure funding from CEF from a previous collegue of mine that was a loan officer. As she spoke such great things about the organization, she expressed the positive impact you all have had on so many small businesses. So, I figured I'd give it a shot. What was your experience like in working with CEF? I started working with Business Navigator, Kristen McCarty, and Rob Burgan, who helped me start with program parameters and gave me more information about the Transforming Safety Grant. They both were amazing! What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? Since I've received funding, I've been able to sustain by operating my costs, purchase supplies and materials and pay off credit card debt. What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process? I would have to say that it does take a lot more effort on our end as a business owner to lock in a loan, but it is completely worth it in the end. Hard work pays off and you're investing your time to sustain your business and help it grow. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? A ton of difference! Without Kristin, I wouldn't have been able to complete my projections adequately and made it to the closing process. She also brought a lot of great ideas to the table about what other services I could begin offering in my program to help generating additional income. Her insight made me think outside the box. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? I'm looking forward to supporting my community partners in offering drop-in child for the families they serve. This is what community partnership is all about!                          Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13832/Small-Business-Spotlight--Lighthouse-Early-Care-and-Education http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13958/Small-Business-Spotlight--Somatic-Therapy-Partners blog "My experience working with CEF was FANTASTIC! The funding gave me breathing room and an ability to focus on growing the business." – Maira Holzmann, Owner Denver, CO | Woman & Minority-Owned Professional Health Care Services Business Owner: Maira Holzmann www.somatictherapypartners.com Q&A with Owner, Maira Holzmann Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Somatic Therapy Partners (STP) is a group psychotherapy practice offering 1-1 individual therapy to support clients in healing from trauma, anxiety and depression. We have a free ebook on how to listen to the wisdom of the body; we put on a once a month live and in-person workshop dedicated to helping people learn about what somatic therapy is and also provide education on nervous system regulation; and we offer free consultations for any prospective client. We focus on using somatic or body-based approaches to heal nervous system dysregulation. We have been serving Denver since 2020 and our practice is conveniently located in central Denver in the Cherry Creek/Glendale neighborhood. How did the idea for your business come about? STP was born out of my own healing path and liberation from the impacts of early trauma. I wanted to create a mental health group practice dedicated to using somatic approaches and serve clients who struggle with the impacts of trauma. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. People who seek us out are often folks who have tried all forms of healing from talk therapy, to seeing shamans, and doing breathwork. Our typical customer tends to be highly intelligent, do-gooders, curious and open-minded. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding We needed to expand. In less than a year, we went from three employees in two offices to 6 employees and six offices. How did you find out about CEF? My husband, who is also a small business owner, told me about CEF. What was your experience like in working with CEF? My experience working with CEF was FANTASTIC! The person assigned to me was personable, real, honest and really wanted me to succeed in business. She was a great communicator and encouraging to me when I felt discouraged or overwhelmed by the process of seeking funding. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? The funding gave me breathing room and an ability to focus on growing the business. A direct result of receiving funding meant that I could afford to offer free, educational workshops to the Denver community and beyond. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. In 2024, we have seen the highest monthly revenues since opening in 2024. Our hiring, on-boarding and training process for new clinicians continues to improve and evolve such that we have a solid and positive reputation amongst our clients and in the Denver community. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? Hiring for 3 more clinicians, start writing a book and start a somatic mentoring program for other mental health providers. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I'm just so grateful for CEF funding so my business can grow and also to spread the word about the importance of somatic approaches to healing from trauma.              Fri, 12 Jul 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13958/Small-Business-Spotlight--Somatic-Therapy-Partners http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13639/Small-Business-Spotlight--Inside-and-Out-Pet-Care blog ""Working with CEF's Business Navigators gave me the opportunity to talk to about finances, marketing, and other topics that I have not seen offered with any other loan company."" – Kim Plache, Owner Loveland, CO | Woman-Owned Professional Services Business Owner: Kim Plache www.insideandoutpetcarellc.com Q&A with Owner, Kim Plache Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. I started this business in the fall of 2014. I was always attracted to all sorts of pets since I never grew up with any. This business started out with dogs and cats, now it has grown to take care of the reptiles, rodents, cats and dogs and also the farm pets. We offer 15 minute visits, 1/2 hour visits/walks, 1 hour visits/walks and overnights. We customize each client's visits to what they want for their pet's needs. Extra's we provide for no additional cost: watering indoor plants, scooping the litter box, cleaning up the backyard dog poop, getting the client's mail, taking the trash/recycling cans out/in on trash day, cleaning up your pet's accidents. We are based in Loveland, Colorado and service the following towns: Loveland, Masonville, Ft Collins, Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor and Greeley. How did the idea for your business come about? I always loved animals but had none growing up, so after speaking to a friend's daughter that just quit because of bad knees, I called her & got information on what insurance I needed to get & how to market myself. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I started August 2014, after being in the medical field for over 30 years. The pet industry is a fast growing business. I love finding out from clients their needs for their pets & customize the care, comfort of their pets while the owner is away from their beloved pet. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? My friend and office manager suggested in order for my business to really grow I needed an office space. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? My experience with finding funding was a little difficult. I went to my bank, they told me I have a cash flow problem. Probably looking for over a year for loans. I was looking for grants & other measures. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? I told my story, CEF listened and said I was accepted. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? The funding secured my office space that we are now in and hire an administration assistant. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. The struggles I have with getting the paperwork sent electronically to the CEF's assistant in a format they could piece together & review the company's financial books. Once that was finally completed their process seemed to run smoother. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? I never had a loan company have other experts that I could talk to with finances , marketing or other things they office. It's a different approach then just giving businesses out money to survive. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? I'm looking for a growth spurt.                           Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13639/Small-Business-Spotlight--Inside-and-Out-Pet-Care http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13957/Small-Business-Spotlight--Sol-Popsicles---Snacks blog "CEF allowed us to bring our idea into reality. From building a business plan to walking us through the steps necessary to reach the goal, we are excited to expand this next year!" – Sergio Rodriguez, Owner Thornton, CO | Minority-Owned Food & Beverage Start-Up Business Owner: Sergio Rodriguez www.facebook.com/SolPopsicles Q&A with Owner, Sergio Rodriguez Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Sol Popsicles and Snacks offers a variety of popsicles and snacks for different events. We are located in Thornton and serve all the front range at various events and festivals. This is our first year in business and we are excited for the many more coming. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? Best way to control your income. The harder you work the more income you can generate. I am passionate about my business, and I know that all my effort and hard work is being used to grow something that belongs to me. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? With my current business, we are focusing on the ice cream industry. This is our first year in the industry. Our fans are kids and parents who remember the ice cream truck driving around neighborhoods, by the park or attending community events. It brings back memories for adults and kids. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding I researched grants for new businesses in Colorado, eventually I found CEF, they could help take advantage of this great opportunity and help us finance the rest as well. CEF allowed us to make our idea into a reality. We spoke, they walked me through the steps necessary to reach our goal. How did you find out about CEF? When I began looking for grants in CO, I found CEF. I did research of the company and requested to get more information. After that we began our loan application. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Alan and his team really took the time to explain the steps and to help with the whole process from biggening to end. Creating a business plan, a budget and everything needed to succeed. Things that I wouldn't have done in my own but have allowed my business to begin the right way. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? Buy my business van and all the equipment needed to begin operating. What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process? Work, Study, volunteer in your future industry. Don't just jump in without as much prior experience as possible. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? The coaching team allowed me to think of my business in a different perspective. Identify areas of that i would need to face. Create a business plan that i can follow. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? I am looking forward to continuing to grow and expand into different events across town. Year 1 was about putting our name out for and learning more about our industry, not that we have a year of experience we can turn around and be more effective with future events.   Fri, 31 May 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13957/Small-Business-Spotlight--Sol-Popsicles---Snacks http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13295/Small-Business-Spotlight--Emotional-Health-Colorado blog "CEF's support, from their low-interest loan to their Business Navigation Services, helped us develop an executive mindset, allowing us to adjust pricing to better serve our clients at Emotional Health Colorado." – Terrilynn Nickerson, Owner Denver, CO | Women & Black-Owned Professional Services Business Owner: Terrilynn Nickerson www.emotionalhealthcolorado.com Q&A with Owner, Terrilynn Nickerson Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Emotional Health Colorado incorporates caregiving practices with pastoral, prophetic and counseling insights to help people heal at their deepest and, core to pores, live well. How did you find out about CEF? CEDS. If you were working with a different lender(s) prior to CEF, please describe your experience. Ie, how long had you been looking for a lender, what problems did you encounter that ultimately led you to CEF? CEDS was wonderful. Why did you choose CEF as your lender? CEF offered me and my business a low-interest loan and I was ready to move my business forward. If you have worked with our Business Acceleration Services team, please give a brief overview of what you have worked on with your coach. (If you haven't worked with them and would like to, you can let us know here, too!). I have been meeting with a Business Coach to help shift my mindset towards thinking more liek an executive. We'd love to share your successes. Please tell us about any recent wins, plans for the future, etc. Anything exciting, that you are proud of, advice you'd like to share with other entrpeneurs, etc. I've implemented counsel from my business coach in incremental and personal ways. For instance, I have several clients who simply cannot afford the sessions they need. So I have created tiered pricing to meet three levels of fees and all but one client is on a path towards full fee payments. I also had a client who rarely paid on time. A mentee/colleague advised me to charge client credit cards the day of their sessions. But this felt unhelpful as clients might then have additional crises to address. Instead, I engaged in the conversation of value, time and money with my client. Over the course of five months, I began to cancel their monthly schedule if I did not receive their package payment. We maintain a wonderful rapport as they confront much more deeply-seated issues than dollars. And in turn, they trust me and have begun funding a family member seeing me on a regular basis. So I addressed a financial issue as a caring counselor with an executive heart towards longterm affiliation and helping my client heal what clearly affected more than their paying bills in a timely manner. Too, as some months I found bill paying a challenge, I have learned better how to manage my cash flow, enjoy client loyalty and space details of my living and working to pad fluctuations in income. I am not living closer to the bone but thoroughly aware of my business choices and reasoning behind them. Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13295/Small-Business-Spotlight--Emotional-Health-Colorado http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13255/Colorado-Enterprise-Fund-Named-2024-Community-Lender-of-the-Year---Colorado blog Release Date:  April 16, 2024                           Contact: Dave Wentzel (303) 844-2003   SBA Announces Colorado Small Business Week Winners Colorado Home to Two National Award Winners   DENVER – National Small Business Week is a presidential proclamation dating back to 1963; during the week of April 29 through May 3rd, SBA offices across the nation will be honoring small businesses by organizing events and award ceremonies to recognize the impact small businesses have on our nation's economy and our local communities. This year, Colorado was selected as a National Roadshow stop for SBA Administrator, Isabel Guzman, who will be visiting the Centennial State on May 2nd, meeting with businesses, elected officials, stakeholders, and participating in Colorado's NSBW award ceremony as the keynote speaker. Colorado is home to winners in two national award categories, including Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence – Service Category.  "During National Small Business Week, cities and counties across Colorado will celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and the positive impact small business has on helping communities thrive and grow," said Frances Padilla, SBA's Colorado District Director. "Colorado has a rich history of small business creation and innovation, and our winners are representative of the supportive business climate that exists in this state." Colorado Small Business Person(s) of the Year: Christine and Alan Herron Co-Founders Achieve Sports Center 22675 E Aurora Pkwy Aurora, CO 80016 (720) 330-2200 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Colorado District Office announces Christine and Alan Herron, co-founders of Achieve Sports Center, as this year's Colorado Small Business Person(s) of the Year. Achieve Sports Center, located in Aurora CO, has been providing a safe, and welcoming environment for youth sports and activities since 2013. Utilizing SBA lending resources, the Herron's were able to secure a commercial space to offer athletic programing to their local community. Despite the hardships during Covid-19, Achieve Sports Center was able to keep their entire staff on payroll; since 2020, the company grew into its new space, growing from a staff of 32 to 123. Following their motto of Dream-Believe-Achieve, Christine and Alan are recognized as a leader in youth sports training and an asset to their community.  State, Regional and National Winner - SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award: Aurora-South Metro SBDC hosted by the City of Aurora Represented by Marcia McGilley, Executive Director 15151 E Alameda Pkwy #2300 Aurora, CO 80012 (303) 326-8686 Colorado also celebrates the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by the City of Aurora,  as a national winner of the SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award. This award was created to recognize excellence in providing value to small businesses from diverse backgrounds by advancing programming delivery and management through innovation., Marcia McGilley, Executive Director, and her team have created dynamic programing and events throughout the south metro area, helping entrepreneurs and business owners turn their business ambitions into realities.  National Winner - Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence -  Services:  Lauren Terry Federal Small Business Liaison Officer & Program Manager Jacobs 6312 South Fiddlers Green Circle Suite 30N Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (720) 286-5318 Jacobs Engineering was selected to receive the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence: Services category,  for their utilization of diverse small businesses to participate in subcontracts awarded by Jacobs. In a recent Defense Contract Management Agency audit, Jacobs Federal was rated as "Exceptional", receiving the highest rating, which only 2% of prime contractors hold. Jacobs continues to expand its use of small businesses and expanding service through their federal Small Business Program.  Colorado Lender Awards: •    2024 7(a) Lender of the Year (Large) – The Huntington National Bank •    2024 7(a) Lender of the Year (Small) – Midwest Regional Bank •    2024 504 CDC of the Year (Large) – B:Side Capital, Denver, CO •    2024 504 CDC of the Year (Small) – Preferred Lending Partners, Denver, CO •    2024 Rural Lender of the Year – First Southwest Bank, Southwestern CO •    2024 Community Lender of the Year – Colorado Enterprise Fund,  Denver, CO Colorado Local Awards: •    2024 Colorado District Director's Diamond Award – Front Range Community College - Larimer SBDC and Poudre River Public Library District, represented by Hope Hartman, Larimer SBDC Director & Molly Thompson, Harmony Library Manager, Fort Collins, CO 80526 •    2024 Colorado Small Business "Wall of Fame" Inductee – Lippett, Inc dba Senor Ric's Mexican Restaurant, Jeffery Eaton (majority owner), Aurora CO •    2024 Amy McDowell Service to Small Business Award presented annually by Colorado SBDC Network – Mr. Jesse Esparza, Consultant ABOUT THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov .   Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13255/Colorado-Enterprise-Fund-Named-2024-Community-Lender-of-the-Year---Colorado http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13088/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mary-s-Mountain-Cookies blog "Find a partner like CEF that will help you get the funds to start your dream business while being a helpful shoulder to lean on when needed throughout the start-up process." – Paul Klees, Owner Granby, CO | Food & Beverage Services Start-Up Business Owner: Paul Klees www.marysmountaincookies.com Q&A with Owner, Paul Klees Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We serve large gourmet cookies of 16-18 varieties. Located in downtown Granby, CO as well as a Gondola Kiosk at the base of Winter Park Resort. How did the idea for your business come about? We always wanted to start a business and felt Grand county has a ton of potential. We were introduced to Mary's Mountain Cookies in 2012 and never forgot how good they were. Spring of 2023 presented us with an opportunity to bring our small business dream and cookies together. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? Granby's downtown is evolving in a very strategic way, blending the growth of a mountain town while respecting the ranching historic past. We are excited to be a part of the growth making downtown a fun place to stop, enjoying the different store fronts. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? When searching for a local bank to help us start our business, CEF was presented to us for start up small businesses. Made the call and had a great experience since we started. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? I enjoyed CEF because they shared our excitement for our start up and helped us through any moments of doubt or concern. This allowed us to stay focused on the project and our opening date goals. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Having a partner like CEF be apart of our process, made starting a new business fun and exciting. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We were able to start the business without draining our personal cash reserve. With that said, we have a better sense of security to weather any challenges that may come up in the first year of running our business What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process? Don't get caught in the weeds of the start up process, power forward to get the doors open so you can start cash flowing. Find a partner like CEF that will help you get the funds to start your dream business while being a helpful shoulder to lean on when needed throughout the start-up process. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? They were supportive and shared ideas to make sure we were running or working toward our highest business potential. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? Getting the Gondola kiosk open at Winter Park Resort. Looking forward to potentially expanding the business to new locations.                         Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13088/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mary-s-Mountain-Cookies http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13059/Small-Business-Spotlight--Etoile-Salon blog "I express gratitude to CEF for placing trust in me and providing the opportunity to launch my own business. Their support extended beyond financial assistance, including valuable complimentary services such as legal advice on contracts." – Narangoo Gregerio, Owner Denver, CO | Minority & Woman-Owned Professional Services Business Owner: Narangoo Gregerio www.etoilesalonspa.com Q&A with Owner, Narangoo "Nara" Gregerio Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Etoile Salon - Advanced Nail Care & Beauty Boutique is your premier destination for a comprehensive range of beauty services in Denver. Our full-service salon specializes in advanced nail care and skincare treatments, ensuring a luxurious and rejuvenating experience for our clients. Our skincare services include Facials, Lash Extensions, Lash Lifts, Spray Tans, Full body waxing, and professional Makeup Application. When it comes to nails, we offer a variety of manicures, pedicures, and intricate nail art. Additionally, our Certified Master Pedicurists (CMP) provide specialized foot care services such as toenail reconstruction, BS Brace for ingrown toenails, corn removal, and diabetic pedicures, catering to clients with specific health needs. As the exclusive salon in Denver with Certified Master Pedicurists, we bring over six years of industry expertise to our discerning clientele. I, Nara Gregorio, CMP, am the proud founder and manager of Etoile Salon. With nearly two decades of experience and a passion for perfection, I lead a team of skilled professionals committed to delivering exceptional beauty services. At Etoile Salon, our commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail sets us apart. We strive to provide unparalleled service, creating an environment that radiates relaxation and ensures a rewarding and satisfying experience for each valued client. Our ultimate goal is to offer incredible value while maintaining the highest standards in the beauty industry. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? As a dedicated perfectionist, my passion lies in prioritizing the well-being of my clients' nails. Having observed too many cases of damaged nails, I founded a salon with a clear mission: to maintain the health of natural nails while delivering top-tier services. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? Our salon is located in South East Denver, nestled between Cherry Creek and Cherry Hills—two delightful neighborhoods that have been home to many of our valued clients. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? I've always envisioned a comprehensive, one-stop-shop experience. I began planning the expansion in 2022, and it finally came to fruition last year. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? I am really appreciative for the process that I went through with CEF to secure funding. It felt like a really long and complicated process where I had to provide so much information, but I felt like that was such an important part to build accountability and really plan things out. Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. When I initially decided to start my own business, I faced challenges due to being a Permanent Resident without an established business credit history. Securing a loan from the bank proved difficult, but Sunflower Bank recommended CEF. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Alan and the rest of the CEF team were immensely helpful throughout the entire process. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? With my first loan, I acquired a business, and the second loan was necessary to cover operational costs associated with the expansion. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. We have built a loyal base with over 60% of repeat customers on the nail side, many of whom have been with us since our opening—creating a sense of family. However, venturing into skincare is a new territory for me, and it's taking a bit more time to establish a clientele in this field. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? I aim to operate our skincare services at full capacity. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I express gratitude to CEF for placing trust in me and providing the opportunity to launch my own business over six years ago. Their support extended beyond financial assistance, including valuable complimentary services such as legal advice on contracts. As I reflect on my journey, I hold a larger vision for the next 5 to 10 years, and I am actively working towards achieving it.                Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13059/Small-Business-Spotlight--Etoile-Salon http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13016/Small-Business-Spotlight--Gracie-s-Coffee blog "As a fresh post-college student, I would never have been able to open the coffee shop without the funding received through CEF. It made it so that my dream to open my coffee shop could become a reality." – Gracie Rounds, Owner Gypsum, CO | Woman-Owned Food & Beverage Start-Up Business Owner: Gracie Rounds https://www.facebook.com/p/Gracies-Coffee-100087643459370/ Q&A with Owner, Gracie Rounds Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Gracie's Coffee is a walk-up and drive-thru location in the center of the Rocky Mountains, offering single origin coffee beans from Peru's Sacred Valley in the form of drip coffee, espresso based drinks, and cold brew. For those that seek alternative drinks, they offer high quality matcha, chai, and tea as well as many options for kids. It opened in November of 2022, and since then has received an abundance of community support and love for the quality coffee that is served. Gracie's roots in the coffee world run deep. Her dad owns a coffee/outdoor store in Western NY called Adventure Bound and Ellicottville Coffee Company. Over the past eight years, Gracie worked on and off in her parents' business during breaks from the University of Vermont and between travels. Ellicottville Coffee (and now Gracie's Coffee) source their beans from Peru where her father co-owned and managed a restaurant/café in the Sacred Valley of Peru outside of Cusco, en route to Machu Picchu. Her father's Peruvian fiancé helps maintain the Peruvian coffee finca connection and contacts. Gracie's customers love the fact that she spent time living in the mountains of Peru, has done multiple high altitude treks there, and loves the region and coffee. Gracie has a deep connection to the Vail Valley where she spent a good portion of her child-hood growing up in Eagle, her dad attended Vail Mountain School, and her grandparents met on the slopes of Vail in the 60's. What was the process like to start your small business? As a 19-year-old, the idea of starting my own business seemed like a daunting task. From construction options, to marketing, and all of the in-betweens, the start-up process felt like a long and arduous journey. But after everything, I feel so much more prepared for anything life throws at me. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. My favorite customers to come and visit Gracie's Coffee are moms dropping their kids off at school. They pull up to the coffee hut in their pajamas and look at me with such gratitude for not being forced to get out of the car! How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? I worked with individuals from the Small Business Association who pointed me towards this organization to help with start-up costs. I couldn't be more thankful for choosing this group to work with for all the support they have given me in so many different ways. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? I am really appreciative for the process that I went through with CEF to secure funding. It felt like a really long and complicated process where I had to provide so much information, but I felt like that was such an important part to build accountability and really plan things out. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? Like I mentioned previously, the individuals at CEF have continued to support me in my business venture to this day. I was especially amazed when one consultant who I've worked closely with actually came to visit my coffee hut! How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? As a fresh post-college student, I would never have been able to open the coffee shop without the funding received through CEF. It made it so that my dream to open my coffee shop could become a reality. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. A couple weeks ago a long-time regular customer of mine came to visit the coffee hut with her new baby. This customer was someone who I had interacted with daily for months, and knew her order by heart but didn't even know her name. I also didn't know that while she had been pregnant throughout the past year, she had been experiencing an extremely difficult pregnancy. She said that while this was going on, the only thing that made her feel better each day was coming to the coffee hut. So, when she gave birth to her baby, she decided to name her Gracie. I felt like that was one of the most impactful things in my whole life! Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business? Yes What difference has working with them made for your business? Like I have mentioned, the team members that I have worked with have been so supportive. Any time I run into issues I feel like I can contact them for support. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? We are offering a cold brew product that we brew and can in-house to retailers throughout Colorado! We are adding new retailers every week, and are really excited to see where that adventure takes us.                   Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/13016/Small-Business-Spotlight--Gracie-s-Coffee http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12943/Small-Business-Spotlight--Coraz-n-Wellness blog "With the help of CEF, I was able to purchase what I needed to get my business up and running again after COVID. All of my patients love the new space and the services I can provide." – Celeste Ferro, Owner Lakewood, CO | Woman & Minority-Owned Professional Services Business Owner: Celeste Ferro https://www.corazonwellness.net/ Q&A with Owner, Celeste Ferro Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Wholeheartedly Wellbeing is an Ayurvedic wellness and bodywork boutique located in Lakewood, CO. Wholeheartedly opened its doors in February of 2019 with a dream to become a multi-room space. We offer Ayurvedic consultations, ayurvedic bodywork, meditation instruction, craniosacral therapy, skincare, massage therapy, and sound healing. What is great about this space is that our patients have everything in one place, so they do not have to go to different practitioners for their needs. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? I found that there was a need in my industry for more presence after treatment. It is not enough for people to receive bodywork, they need to be able to integrate the work and for that, time and presence is needed. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I have been in this industry for over 11 years. What I love the most about my job is that I can provide a space for people to relax and let go of the daily stresses of life so that true healing can take place. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? I asked for a business loan to the credit union where I have my business checking account and they were not able to provide funds, but they gave me CEF information and I was able to get the funding I needed to reopen my business after COVID19. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? I had been looking for funding for about 4 or 5 months. I received some negatives from other companies and finally my bank connected me with CEF. What was your experience like working with CEF? It was a good experience. They were clear on what they needed from me. During the zoom interview I felt like I was talking with regular people, not loan people. That made me feel safe. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I was able to get what I needed to reopen my boutique studio. I needed drapes, paint, furniture, and supplies as well as products. Now I have all of that and my patients love the space and the new services I can provide. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? I am focused on growing so that I can make my dream of a storefront with 4 or 5 treatment rooms come true. I also want to continue giving back to my community in ways that educate people about the benefits of bodywork. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? I am looking forward to being fully booked 6 months in advance and hopefully hiring my first employee who could provide services on my days off. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Thank you for your help.                   Sat, 02 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12943/Small-Business-Spotlight--Coraz-n-Wellness http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12827/Small-Business-Spotlight--Friendly-Nick-s-Butcher blog "Refinancing my loan made a lot of sense, especially considering the rapid inflation and my variable rate loan. With CEF's help, we lowered our monthly loan payments and made the business more cash flow positive!." – Nick Chase, Owner Fort Collins, CO | Grocery Retail Services Business Owner: Nick Chase www.fnbutcher.com Q&A with Owner, Nick Chase Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We are a retail butcher shop specializing in whole animal butchery. We break down whole pork, beef, and chickens which allows us to offer unique cuts you don't find in traditional grocery stores or supermarkets. We've been in business for 5 years. How did the idea for your business come about? The idea for a butcher shop was born over martinis. With my cooking background, a friend suggested opening a grocery store. A butcher shop seemed more feasible. I still work with food and I can watch my work be appreciated by my customers which gives me a great sense of pride. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I've been a butcher for 5years, but I've been cooking for over 20. I love helping people create better meals for themselves at home rather than rely on over-processed grocery store meals. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? A business always has to look to control costs. Refinancing my loan made a lot of sense, especially considering the rapid inflation and my variable rate loan. Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. Had I considered it more, I would have looked into a loan during the height of the pandemic when rate were super low, but I didn't want to risk taking on more debt. When the Fed started raising rates, I started looking to refinance. It took me 7 months to find a bank that would work with me. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? They were willing to work with me and the capital I had to use as collateral. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We lowered our monthly loan payments and made the business more cash flow positive. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We're looking to expand and open multiple locations and possible some vertical integration to control costs and compete with larger grocery stores. Fri, 26 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12827/Small-Business-Spotlight--Friendly-Nick-s-Butcher http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12780/Small-Business-Spotlight--Jennings-AV blog "CEF's support relieved us from short-term, high-interest loans, enabling us to focus on gaining larger projects. CEF isn't solely about finances; it's about bolstering entrepreneurs and overcoming challenges." – Barry E. Jennings, Owner Wheat Ridge, CO | Start-Up Tech Services Business Owner: Barry E. Jennings www.jenningsav.com Q&A with Owner, Barry E. Jennings Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Jennings AV is the ultimate destination for top-tier audio, video, lighting, and security systems in Denver and surrounding areas. Since 2019 we've been catapulting living and working spaces into the future with a range of cutting- edge offerings: immersive audio experiences, top-tier video displays, customizable lighting solutions, and remote access – we've got every angle covered. When you choose Jennings AV, you're selecting expert design, seamless installation, precise system calibration, and unwavering support. Whether you're transforming your living room into a cinematic haven or future-proofing your commercial space for hybrid work models, call Jennings AV to elevate your space. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? Jennings AV emerged from blending aspirations, expertise, and ownership. Transforming my know-how into a successful business, offering futuristic tech and creative freedom with top-notch service, is my true calling and mission. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? We design custom AV and security systems for clients in Boulder, Castle Pines, and Cherry Creek. Our smart tech elevates indoor and outdoor spaces and our security systems provide 24/7 access and peace of mind. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? The Colorado Enterprise Fund has championed Jennings AV's growth. Their support relieved us from short-term, high-interest loans, enabling us to focus on gaining larger projects. CEF isn't solely about finances; it's about bolstering entrepreneurs and overcoming challenges. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? Navigating capital funding is tough for small businesses. Jennings AV faces limited credit history and assets, posing challenges for traditional loan approval. The intricate process, criteria, and documentation can be overwhelming, especially with time constraints. What was your experience like in working with CEF? CEF's small business funding transformed Jennings AV's financial journey. With collaborative support, we partnered with a dedicated ally invested in our growth. Thoughtful discussions, evaluations, and communication ensured funding aligned with our goals. CEF is determined to see the company thrive. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? The funding from CEF enabled us to eliminate short-term high-interest loans that were hindering our access to essential capital for day-to-day operations. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? Having the necessary capital for day-to-day operations allows us to concentrate on securing bids to enhance an AV and paging system for a community recreation facility, as well as finalizing contracts with custom home builders. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? Overcoming constraints, securing new clients, and earning referrals have been highlights for Jennings AV. From day one, we've excelled in complex installations and building trust. In the next 3-6 months we will continue to exceed expectations on every project. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I have the coolest job in the world. What's not to love about crafting immersive home AV systems with state-of-the-art components? Or upgrading conference rooms to include monitors and speakers that instantly connect businesses locally and internationally? Jennings AV collaborates with clients and designers to enhance the space where clients connect, unwind, host gatherings, or set the stage for special occasions. We also provide the reassurance of remote video monitoring and security systems where no matter how far away the clients are, they are always close to home. (Even if they really use their security system to watch the family of deer wandering through their backyard.) Who doesn't dream of a home theater that feels cinematic or like you're in the stadium? Jennings AV installs and maintains custom technology with the goal of launching our client's businesses into the future and creating an environment that makes their house feel like home.          Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12780/Small-Business-Spotlight--Jennings-AV http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12761/Exploring-How-CDFIs-and-Financial-Institutions-Can-Be-Valuable-Allies blog Have you ever heard of a Community Development Financial Institution, CDFI for short?  Most have not, not even in the financial world, but CDFIs are an integral part of providing access to financial services, affordable credit, and investment capital to individuals and small businesses underserved by traditional banks/credit unions. In fact, CDFIs must devote at least 60% of their resources to underserved communities. CDFIs are certified by the U.S. Treasury and there are about 15 in the state of Colorado. While CDFIs can come in different forms, this blog will focus on loan funds and how they work with financial institutions, not compete with them. CDFI loan funds fill the gap between traditional financing and predatory lending.  When a bank/credit union can't qualify a small business owner for a loan, a CDFI is a viable option to consider.  A CDFI will usually have fewer barriers to capital for your small business customer. CDFIs work with lower credit scores, limited collateral, longer loan terms, and even start-up businesses.   How can financial institutions and CDFIs partner together and be allies?  First and foremost is an exchange of referrals- when banks and CDFIs tag-team to get borrowers to the best-suited lender. If a bank can't greenlight the loan, you can refer the customer to a CDFI that will give your customer another chance at a fair lending loan.  And when a borrower is "bankable" the CDFI will urge the customer towards the referring or traditional bank on future loan applications.   It should be a two-way partnership! Banks & CDFIs can also join forces on a specific loan request.  For instance, a bank may be comfortable with a commercial real estate loan, but there is some gap financing needed to make it all work.  CDFIs are open to taking a secondary collateral position to get the deal done.  Next, an odd twist -banks can lend money to CDFIs at a lower interest rate to help with the CDFI's revolving loan funds.  This is a strategic move and is usually done to help satisfy a bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements. Therefore, it helps both parties achieve their objectives whether it is satisfying regulatory requirements or getting the necessary funds to then lend to small businesses. Finally, another, but not so common way to partner, is through New Market Tax Credits (NMTC).  We could devote an entire blog to explaining NMTCs, but for simple terms, banks and CDFIs work together to encourage private investment on larger community development projects such as childcare facilities, healthcare facilities, or businesses that will create jobs in distressed communities.  Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), which is a non-profit small business lender, has been serving Colorado since 1976. CEF, like many CDFI loan funds, focuses on small business loans.  CEF is also an SBA 7a lender (up to $350,000) under the Community Advantage program.  The banking relationship, including deposits and merchant services, stays with the financial institution.  CEF also provides free business navigation services (business coaching & education) to get borrowers the tools and resources they need to be successful and ultimately become "bankable." While CEF takes great pride and joy in the over 7500 small businesses we have worked with, the goal, in essence, is to make borrowers leave CEF and go to mainstream financing when they are ready. If you want to learn more about CDFIs or Colorado Enterprise Fund, we'd welcome the opportunity to talk to you. Simply get in touch with Alan Ramirez, CEF Director of Strategic Lending.    We truly believe partnering is how we create a win-win-win for everyone and keep small businesses strong in Colorado!    Fri, 12 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12761/Exploring-How-CDFIs-and-Financial-Institutions-Can-Be-Valuable-Allies http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12549/Small-Business-Spotlight--Freewheel-Limited blog "CEF truly listened to our needs and continues to help us make our dreams become reality. In addition to our loan, we received a grant, quickbooks for a year, and website design services. CEF truly wants to see us succeed. We have felt that every step of the way." – Melissa Blumenshine & Mandy Martin, Owners Longmont, CO | Woman-Owned Creative Industries Start-Up Business Owners: Melissa Blumenshine & Mandy Martin www.skatefreewheel.com Q&A with Owners, Melissa Blumenshine & Mandy Martin Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Freewheel Limited is a pop-up roller skating rink on its journey to becoming a permanent rink. We are located in Longmont, Colorado and have been operational since March 2023. The idea was conceived in March 2022 and we completed a business accelerator through eforall. How did the idea for your business come about? Upon becoming bored with entertainment options in Longmont, Mandy and I decided that we wanted to open a roller skating rink. Our local rink closed in 2003 and we felt it was time to bring a rink back to Longmont. We successfully completed a summer 2022 business accelerator by eforall. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. Our typical customers are people who love roller skating. More specifically families with children. We love the joy that roller skating brings to all members of the family. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? We were in need of funding to be able to purchase rental skates and our portable skate floor. What was your experience like in working with CEF? CEF truly listened to our needs and continues to help us make our dreams become reality. In addition to our loan, we received a grant, QuickBooks for a year, and website design services. CEF truly wants to see us succeed. We have felt that every step of the way. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We were able to purchase our skate floor tiles and a portion of our rental skates. Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes. Getting a loan for our small business made us feel that our dreams were attainable. We feel that everyone we've worked with at CEF believes in our business. Our launch event was also very special. What difference has working with CEF's Business Navigation team made for your business? The opportunities that have been given to us have made an impact on our business. Business navigators have given us invaluable information that we would not have found elsewhere. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? We are hoping to be looking at buildings for our business.                   Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12549/Small-Business-Spotlight--Freewheel-Limited http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12545/Small-Business-Spotlight--Canary-Skincare blog "It's clear that CEF is committed to helping local businesses and that made our decision to work with CEF very easy." – Colleen McCord & Monica Lubbert, Owners Denver, CO | Woman-Owned Start-Up Cosmetics Services Business Owners: Colleen McCord & Monica Lubbert www.canaryskincare.com Q&A with Owners, Colleen McCord & Monica Lubbert Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We are Canary Skincare & Apothecary, a women-owned startup located in Denver. We recently launched our first product (after more than 2 years in formulation), and we are finishing up a second product. Our first product is a high-tech, self- repair antioxidant serum designed thoughtfully for long-term, daily use. We'll also add, that this product is well-loved by men who like the feel of the serum, the light natural fragrance and skin-balancing benefits. We are currently only doing business online at: canaryskincare.com What inspired you to step into the world of small business? Canary Skincare & Apothecary, which we started in late 2018, is a women-owned startup located here in Denver. We are former colleagues turned long-time friends, and entrepreneurs at heart. We've known for a long time we wanted to build a brand, we just never had a clear idea on what we would sell. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. Our target customers are not based on age or gender - they are explorers, who are curious, early adopters who find personal satisfaction in discovering small, independent, unknown businesses. You may find these same people supporting selfless causes, and fighting for the underdogs. Describe your journey in seeking out funding for your business. Ie, where did you first go to for funding, did you lean on credit cards, etc.? I was doing research looking for the perfect startup business loan to start my business and found them by looking up black-owned businesses startup loans. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? We mostly self-funded and we received money in the form of promissory notes from two friends. We had interest-free credit cards from our business bank which maxed out quickly, A sudden change by the provider left us in a difficult financial position, and we needed to consider other options quickly. How did you find out about CEF? The credit card debacle forced us to get serious about funding so we started researching local lenders. We heard about CEF online or via CPR and visited the website multiple times. We started the online application at least twice before we decided that the time was right to move forward. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? It was important to us to work with a local lender, especially one that understands start up businesses. And we wanted to work with a lender that was part of our community. It's clear that CEF is committed to helping local businesses and that made our decision to work with CEF very easy. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We were able to pay off our credit cards and were able to fund the second half of the production run for our first product. A huge milestone! What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We just launched our first skincare product, the High Tech Self Repair Serum. We are working on our second product which we hope to have out later this summer. We are also focused on amplifying our brand through more marketing and promotional activities. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? We are very much looking forward to expanding our product line, and we are extremely excited to get some press. We are currently working on pitches for local and national press. We hope to get attention, and this article with CEF will certainly be helpful if you decide to move forward. What do you lov eabout the small business community in Colorado?The small business and start up community here can be described as energetic and supportive. There is lots of room for everyone here, and no idea is really off limits. It's inspiring!                   Fri, 17 Nov 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12545/Small-Business-Spotlight--Canary-Skincare http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12542/BofA-Doubles-Support-for-Veteran-Loan-Fund-to-Aid-Growth-of-Veteran-Led-Small-Businesses blog November 8, 2023 BofA Doubles Support for Veteran Loan Fund to Aid Growth of Veteran-Led Small Businesses   Pioneering Fund aims to grow to $100 million for Former Military Personnel NEW YORK, NY – Bank of America is seeding a second round of financing for Veteran Loan Fund, doubling a two-year-old commitment that has already funded more than 500 small businesses built by former military personnel that have created or retained more than 3,000 jobs across 37 states. The fund's first $15 million round, closed in 2022, was deployed in less than 12 months. The Veteran Loan Fund is a national collaborative of a growing number of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and specialized veteran service organizations providing responsible capital and technical assistance to underserved veteran entrepreneurs. The fund offers an online platform that connects military veterans and their spouses with mission-focused lenders and education partners to help them build and sustain small businesses. Eligible veterans benefit from below market rate funding and free business coaching.    "Many veterans have the drive, discipline and leadership skills to fuel small business growth but lack the funding or network to help them grow. We have seen the benefits of low-cost capital in catalyzing entrepreneurship and are pleased to continue to support this work," said Dan Letendre, head of CFDI Lending at Bank of America. "Access to responsible capital is a key issue for military veteran entrepreneurs," says Grant Bennett, Director of Veteran Programs and Operating Manager of the Veteran Loan Fund. "Now is the time to scale our impact within the veteran business community. We can only do this through the work of our CDFI partners and support of organizations like Bank of America." The Veteran Loan Fund plans to grow to $100 million across the nation by 2027, an amount equal to the estimated annual demand for capital from veteran entrepreneurs who lack any funding for their businesses. Its first $15 million round, fully deployed in less than 12 months, was made possible by a $5 million commitment of long-term, below market rate lending capital from Bank of America as lead investor in 2021, along with support from other major institutions. In this round, Bank of America will provide $10 million in support of the new $25 million fund.    Bank of America is the largest investor in CDFIs, with $2 billion in financing to more than 260 CDFIs across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.  Veteran Loan Fund Member CDFIs currently include: Access to Capital For Entrepreneurs (GA), Appalachian Community Capital (VA), Black Business Investment Fund (FL), Business Impact Northwest (WA), Colorado Enterprise Fund (CO), Dream Spring (NM), Economic and Community Development Institute (OH), Pathway Lending (TN), Justine Petersen (MO), PeopleFund (TX), Pursuit (NY), and Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WI).  Specialized technical assistance partners include: Bunker Labs, Vet Met, Vet to CEO, as well as local partnerships with Veteran Business Outreach Centers, SCORE and SBDCs.  For more information, please visit https://www.veteranloanfund.com Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC). For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. Reporters may contact: Susan Atran, Bank of America     Phone: 1.646.599.3300 susan.atran@bofa.com Jenny Palecek, PeopleFund Phone: 1.512.222.1005 JPalecek@peoplefund.org   Fri, 17 Nov 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12542/BofA-Doubles-Support-for-Veteran-Loan-Fund-to-Aid-Growth-of-Veteran-Led-Small-Businesses http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12475/Small-Business-Spotlight--Dre-s-Towing blog "I had great communication from the CEF team and everyone was nice and friendly on the road to getting the loan finalized. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I now refer them to everyone I know looking for a loan." – Andre McClure Jr., Owner of Dre's Tow & Go Colorado Springs, CO | Professional Services Start-Up Business Owner: Andre McClure Jr. www.facebook.com/DRETOWING719 Q&A with Owner, Andre McClure Jr. Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We offer roadside assistance services such as towing, jump starts, battery service, tire changes, car lockouts and winch outs. How did the idea for your business come about? I worked as a roadside assistance technician at AAA for almost 10yrs and decided it was time to take my skills and knowledge to start my own empire. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. People needing assistance with car troubles when they have minor issues happen on the side of the road to things that happen in their driveway. My job is to help them get the assistance they need and get their vehicle where it needs to go. I feel good knowing I could be someone's roadside superhero. How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund? I was doing research looking for the perfect startup business loan to start my business and found them by looking up black-owned businesses startup loans. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? My experience with funding was a bit frustrating in the beginning. Couldn't find good rates or people willing to give me the loan I was looking for. It took about a year and a half. Then I did a bit more searching and found CEF. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Every person I worked with was so kind and communicative. They explained everything so patiently. The process was slow- going, especially coming out of the influx they had of Covid-related loans, but they assured me the whole time that everything was going to work out. And it did! What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? I got offered a great APR percentage for it being a black-owned business startup loan. I had great communication from their team and everyone was nice and friendly on the road to getting everything finalized. Overall it was an amazing experience and refer them to everyone I know looking for a loan. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I was able to cover a lot of my start up costs such as my first tow truck, equipment, software and business needs. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? To grow at a slow and successful rate to have more trucks on the road helping others when needed and to show my appreciation to my customers with great customer service. What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business? To continue serving customers along the front range and providing them with awesome service for me to continue to grow my business and double my profits from last year. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I appreciate the opportunity and grateful for the CEF teams efforts to get my loan taken care of.          Thu, 02 Nov 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12475/Small-Business-Spotlight--Dre-s-Towing http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12419/Treasury-Department-Announces--5-Billion-in-New-Markets-Tax-Credit blog Source: CDFI Fund: https://www.cdfifund.gov/news/540   Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12419/Treasury-Department-Announces--5-Billion-in-New-Markets-Tax-Credit http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12385/Small-Business-Spotlight--Graphics-Forward blog "My loan team at CEF moved quickly, did their diligence thoroughly, and helped me look at the bigger picture to get my business growing." – Garrett Fritszler, Owner of Graphics Forward Denver, CO | Professional Services Start-Up Business Owner: Garrett Fritzler www.graphicsforward.com Q&A with Owner, Garrett Fritzler Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We're the only unlimited graphic design service specifically designed for CBD companies. Based in Denver, CO, we've been in business for years and worked with dozens of hemp and CBD businesses locally and nationwide, so we're the CBD industry's trustworthy partner when it's time to create responsible content, media, and packaging. With high quality art and excellent customer service, we make sure you come in on-time and under budget. How did the idea for your business come about? Growing up I knew I had some artistic inclination, so as a young man looking for ways to be creative and make money, several people in my life suggested graphic design. After years of freelancing, I decided it was time to pivot and create an agency out of the design business I'd already established. What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location? Our headquarters are located in Denver, but our work is done entirely remotely. I meet with clients in person on occasion, but the large majority of what we do is done behind a computer, thus the whole world is our oyster. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? I took the opportunity to build a business plan for two purposes: get financing to build the agency, and to come up with the money necessary to utilize a particularly potent but criminally underutilized marketing service for a limited period of time. How did you find out about CEF? I worked with the free-to-meet-with business and financial consultants via the Colorado Small Business Development Center who referred me to Stephanie with CEF. What was your experience like in working with CEF? My loan team moved quickly, did their due diligence thoroughly, and released funds with haste. It was a very fast process but no part felt rushed or insufficiently scrutinized. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? I am working with designers now and have passed on a large majority of the design work to my design team. I'm also working with marketing and sales consultants who are helping me reach large numbers of interested potential clients. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We're currently proof-testing our plans and look forward to strengthening and doubling down on the effort if it works. Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business? Yes. What difference has working with them made for your business? Working with Jeff has helped me start to assess questions about the bigger picture: what's my exit strategy, and how will I get there? What are my goals in life outside of growing the business. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? We feared that in transitioning from freelancer to agency that we might lose some of our long-time business. That hasn't happened, and we've actually added clients during the transition. It's been nice to have a cushion of service income to work with, rather than living on the edge of the budget. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? GraphicsForward.com is where CBD companies can get the tools they need to promote, market, and grow their business! Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12385/Small-Business-Spotlight--Graphics-Forward http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12371/CEF-Receives-2023-Top-Company-Award-from-Colorado-Biz-Magazine blog Source: Colorado Biz Magazine: https://www.cobizmag.com/top-company-2023-colorado-enterprise-fund/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12371/CEF-Receives-2023-Top-Company-Award-from-Colorado-Biz-Magazine http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12328/Vail-Health-Partners-with-Community-Development-Entities-to-Access--63-25M-in-New-Market-Tax-Credits blog FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VAIL HEALTH PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ENTITIES TO ACCESS $63.25M IN NEW MARKET TAX CREDITS Funds result in $13.5M savings for construction of Precourt Healing Center Vail, CO (Sept. 12, 2023) - Vail Health, Capital One, N.A., Colorado Enterprise Fund, Colorado Growth & Revitalization Fund (a part of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority), Stonehenge Community Development, and Empowerment Reinvestment Fund recently closed a $63.25 million New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) project through the U.S. Department of Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund for the construction of the Precourt Healing Center, a 28-bed in-patient behavioral health facility in Edwards, CO. Additional funding for the project construction is coming from generous donations from Jay and Amanda Precourt and the Vail Health Foundation fundraising efforts, which are still underway. "The Precourt Healing Center is going to provide an invaluable resource to our mountain communities, and we are humbled to receive the largest NMTC award in the history of Colorado for this project," said Vail Health President and CEO Will Cook. "This form of subsidy is an effective supplemental financing strategy that allows us to reduce the overall amount of funding we need to raise to complete the Precourt Healing Center." Capital One, N.A. served as the tax credit equity investor and also brought allocation through its Community Development Entity (CDE), Capital One Community Renewal Fund.  Other CDEs who brought allocation were: Colorado Enterprise Fund; Colorado Growth & Revitalization Fund (a part of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority); Stonehenge Community Development; Empowerment Reinvestment Fund. Vail Health broke ground on the Precourt Healing Center in fall 2022 and began vertical construction in June 2023, with an anticipated completion date of spring 2025. The Precourt Healing Center will offer 28 beds, 14 for adults and 14 for teens over the age of 12, and is located in the Edwards Community Health Campus, a hub for behavioral health and community health services. Vail Health opened the Wiegers Mental Health Clinic in the Edwards Community Health Campus in January 2023 and also provides outpatient Vail Health Behavioral Health services on the campus. The Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center will also begin its research studies from these facilities. My Future Pathways and The Community Market operate out of the campus as well.  "The Edwards Community Health Campus continues to blossom as a centralized area for behavioral health care and community resources, expanding on Vail Health's mission of elevating health across our mountain communities," said Cook. "The NMTC is a new way for us to look at how we grow in our community so that our resources are focused on the most impactful part - providing the health services people need." Congress established the NMTC program in 2000 to incentivize community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits that attract private investment to distressed communities. The NMTC Program attracts private capital into low-income communities by permitting individual and corporate investors to receive a tax credit against their federal income tax in exchange for making equity investments in specialized financial intermediaries called Community Development Entities (CDEs). The credit totals 39 percent of the original investment amount and is claimed over a period of seven years. ### About Vail Health With a focus on providing access to higher quality, more affordable care, Vail Health is a nonprofit community health care system offering one of the world's most advanced mountain hospitals. Vail Health includes award-winning oncology care and a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab, as well as internationally renowned orthopaedic specialists led by The Steadman Clinic and Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. Primary, specialty and behavioral health care are provided through its partner, Colorado Mountain Medical. Vail Health is committed to meeting the growing and ever-changing needs of the diverse region and encouraging wellness and prevention through effective population health management. Vail Health is locally operated and governed by a volunteer board of directors. For more information, visit www.vailhealth.org. Sally Welsh Director of Public Relations Vail Health  (530) 314-1935 | VailHealth.org   Mission: Elevating health across our mountain communities.   Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12328/Vail-Health-Partners-with-Community-Development-Entities-to-Access--63-25M-in-New-Market-Tax-Credits http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12193/Small-Business-Spotlight--ArtistiCO-Dance blog "If it weren't for CEF giving us the opportunity when no one else would, we would not have been able to purchase state of the art floor or access the resources CEF has provided ArtistiCO. CEF is accessible and amazing." – Jose Rosales, Owner of ArtistiCO Dance Denver, CO | Minority-Owned Creative Industries Colorado Nonprofit Corporation Owners: Jose Rosales & Alfonso Prudente www.artisticodance.org Exciting, joyous, and uplifting are just a few words to describe the dancers and performances by ArtistiCO.  This nonprofit dance company was born from Jose Rosales and his business partner and husband, Alfonso Meraza Prudente.  Jose was raised in Denver and a member of the Fiesta Colorado Dance Company from the age of 9 and Alfonso was raised in Mexico and was a Principal Soloist for Palacio de Bellas Artes.  Both are accomplished dancers and met in Mexico City performing with Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez. The idea for ArtistiCO was created in 2019 when they moved to Denver and it came to life with their doors opening in May 2020.   They are proud of the two studios they have opened in the Denver area bringing the love of Folklorico and Flamingo dancing in an inclusive environment. Their primary studio is located at 6th & Inca . ArtistiCO works to make dance lessons to Latinos and the Hispanic accessible to all, regardless of income or demographics. Their dance academy has approximately 50 students and they perform three recitals a year.  Jose and Alfonso work to find funding and grants to help students pay for classes.    The second layer of their organization is designed to present performances for the community while educating the community on their Latino/Hispanic culture. Jose and Alfonso coordinate bringing in 30 professional dancers from Mexico, NY, and CA for their Presents Series which includes four major performances from June through December. They start their season in June during Pride Month with a show at El Potrero Night Club and end the season in December with a Christmas performance at the Newman Center. A unique process these two owners employ is going to Mexico to purchase fabric and employ seamstresses to create the costumes for all their performances. A little fun fact is it takes 12 to 15 yards of fabric per costume.   ArtistiCO originally sought funding for their startup dance studio from a traditional bank but did not qualify, so they approached CEF.  Due to the initial loan, ArtistiCO was able to buy a floating spring floor, mirrors, bars, and other equipment to build their studio. As a result of ArtistiCO's success and the foresight of a landlord wanting to make a meaningful impact, ArtistiCO recently purchased the studio at 6th & Inca that they had rented for several years. This part of town was important as it has historically been where many Latinos grew up. Jose was born and raised in Denver and wanted to have a business in Denver. Jose states "ArtistiCO wants to be a pillar in the community.  They want to stay. The neighborhood is important due to the culture connection."  What does the future hold for ArtistiCO? ArtistiCO feels marketing is the next phase to continue to build awareness. They hope to have multiple locations to cover the seven major counties in Denver Metro and maybe add some additional styles of dance although they will never lose their focus of Mexican folklore dance.   When asked how CEF helped with their business journey, Jose replied "If it weren't for CEF giving us the opportunity when no one else would, we would not have been able to purchase state of the art floor or access the resources CEF has provided ArtistiCO.  CEF is accessible and amazing."             Wed, 30 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12193/Small-Business-Spotlight--ArtistiCO-Dance http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12133/Small-Business-Spotlight--Renaissance-Leather blog "I am an established business that was trying to function on the budget of a start up business. The money I received from CEF was exactly the infusion of cash that I needed" – Travis Butterworth, Owner of Renaissance Leather Denver, CO | Start-Up Retail Services Business Owner: Travis Butterworth https://www.facebook.com/RenLeatherCO/ Q&A with Owner, Travis Butterworth Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Terence Plunkett, founding artisan of Renaissance Leather, has been in the trade since 1968, with retail stores and wholesale operations in Connecticut and Bar Harbor, Maine before joining the Colorado Renaissance Festival in 1995. Starting out with a line of leather goods geared toward the every day crowd, he quickly developed a line of belts, bags and accessories for the costumed patrons of the fairs. Adding the Texas, Michigan and Minnesota Renaissance Festivals over the next few years, and with the addition of assistant artisans, Ian Hawkins and Travis Butterworth, we have established ourselves as a distinctive presence on the Renaissance Festival circuit and on the web, reinterpreting traditional craft techniques to produce leather goods of the highest quality of design, materials and workmanship. Mr. Plunkett retired in 2022, selling the business to Travis Butterworth, his senior artisan. With the departure of Terrence and Ian Hawkins, Travis hired a whole new crew consisting of Sarah Jane Post for his production manager, with assistant artisans Elizabeth Mavity, Nashama Buschman, and Krystal "Tiger Lilly" Gonzales. We are moving Renaissance Leather from the Renaissance festival circuit and into a more mainstream direction, while remembering our roots. We offer products for every day consumption, such as belts, cell phone cases, handbags, and beautiful pewter flask gift sets, alongside the products geared towards our wonderful Renaissance festival patrons. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? When Terrence Plunkett announced his retirement, I became very concerned that this wonderful, quirky, unique product line would go with him, and I simply could not allow that to happen. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I have been involve with Renaissance Leather for 15 years. The thing I love most about the industry is the great variety of people to whom we appeal! What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? I took over the business in January 2023. It was at that a sole proprietorship, so all the funding went with the previous owner. We were an established business working on a startup budget. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? Getting funding for the business was at first a struggle, because while we were well established, we were well established as Terence Plunkett, sole proprietor, and are a seasonal business. Renaissance Leather as a business did not exist. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? They were willing to double check all of our numbers, which great. The previous owner did not keep a business account and kept all of his personal and business records in the same ledger, so they had to be separated. Having another set of eyes was invaluable! How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? The funding I received from CEF allowed me to dump a lot of money into supplies! I am an established business that was trying to function on the budget of a start up business. The money I received from CEF was exactly the infusion of cash that I needed. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? At this point, we're looking to expand the retail side of the business into a year round location, moving us out of the realm of seasonal, and into full time. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? We hired two new sales people, who came with excellent reputations. They have not disappointed! Our sales have grown by almost 10% over last year!                            Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12133/Small-Business-Spotlight--Renaissance-Leather http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12070/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mid-County-Liquors blog "I pursued additional financing from CEF because I had the opportunity to purchase existing inventory at the time I purchased the business and I knew it would provide a successful business transition." – Mary Kate McKenna, Owner of Mid County Liquors Blackhawk, CO | Women-Owned Retail Services Business Owner: Mary Kate McKenna www.facebook.com/midcountyliquors Q&A with Owner, Mary Kate McKenna Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Mid County Liquors is a Retail Liquor Store located in Black Hawk, CO on the scenic Peak to Peak Highway. We sell an eclectic selection of Wine, Beer and Spirits, along with specialty mixers, garnishes, and snacks. That being said, we are not just a place where people can buy their celebratory beverages. We are a place where we put customers first by fulfilling special requests and always provide a high level of hospitality for locals and visitors to the area. What inspired you to step into the world of small business? I have always had a passion for small businesses! My experience with small business owners and entrepreneurial environments that were fast paced, independent, and impactful on communities inspired me to want to own my own business. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. We have two different customers - our loyal locals and our curious visitors. We love all them because they appreciate and support their local store! What shift in your business led you to seek out new/additional funding? I pursued additional financing from CEF because I had the opportunity to purchase existing inventory at a time I purchased the business and I knew it would provide a successful business transition. (The store did not close for one day during the transition). How did you find out about CEF? My neighbors, who own a small business in the area, had received funding from CEF while a transition they had with their Pet Feed Store and they recommended I reach out. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? The prompt and detailed communication I received during the process was extremely helpful from CEF. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We were able to purchase inventory for the store. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We are going to purchase the Commercial Real Estate Property where the liquor store is currently renting. What do you love about the small business community in Colorado? Fellow CO small business owners are there to support you, provide advice, or just be there when you need to rant a little or a lot. Fri, 07 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/12070/Small-Business-Spotlight--Mid-County-Liquors http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11874/Small-Business-Spotlight--Kona-Bowls blog "With the funding we received from CEF, we were able to secure our dream of a stand alone brick-and-mortar location in Golden, CO." – Alissa Mattson, Owner of Kona Bowls Golden, CO | Owner: Alissa Mattson Food and Beverage Services Business www.konabowlscafe.com Q&A with Owner, Alissa Mattson  Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. Kona Bowls is a family owned superfood cafe in Downtown Golden, CO specializing in nutritious superfoods the whole family will love! Our goal is to elevate the collective wellness in our community through superfoods and good moods, including acai bowls, poke bowls, fresh juice, Buddha salads, and more. Our concept is a colorful and fun representation of the Hawaii beach life we brought to Colorado after living and raising our family on Big Island, HI for six+ years. Our dream is to bring aloha, health, happiness, and bold spirits to others via our delicious, super nutritious, island-inspired bowls! How did the idea for your business come about? As our family transitioned our life from Hawaii to Colorado, I dedicated one day a week to sit on the beach and envision the space and concept for Kona Bowls. The fresh, clean, healthy foods of the island inspired our menu, with a specific focus on creating a happy and healthy community. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. Our typical customer varies from local Goldenites seeking a healthy lifestyle to those visiting Golden, CO and looking for healthy eats pre or post workout, hike, bike, tubing, etc. We are always so happy to host these faces on a regular basis and offer guests a healthy and refreshing summer meal. What led your business to seek out new/additional funding? Kona Bowls started small. We self funded a startup in a food hall and worked hard to innovate and thrive during covid shutdowns. When restrictions lifted, our efforts were fruitful as we quickly outgrew our small space and secured our dream of a stand alone brick and mortar location in Golden, CO. How did you find out about CEF? The beauty of customer service is that you get to touch the lives of many people, and in return they touch our lives as well. One of our regular customers at Kona Bowls had shared that he was an SBA Loan Officer, so I reached out to him, and he put me in touch with Colorado Enterprise Fund! What was your experience like in working with CEF? CEF was flexible to our many changes as we moved into a new business model and location. We encountered challenged along the way with landlords and building in a post covid world where construction costs were rapidly multiplying. We were so pleased with the flexible funding from CEF. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? CEF funded Kona Bowls' building process in a new brick and mortar location. We used funds to pay for materials, contractors, and working capital as we started the first year of business. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We have had a successful start at our Golden, CO location and are looking to expand the concept to more markets. Let's spread health and happiness far and wide! What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? We were able to hire a salaried store manager in Q4 of our first year! This will allow us to continue focusing our efforts forward growing our business and creating smart systems without being bogged down with the day to day details of running a small business.            Wed, 24 May 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11874/Small-Business-Spotlight--Kona-Bowls http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11740/CEF-Awarded--3-7-Million-through-the-CDFI-Fund-Equitable-Recovery-Program blog CEF was awarded $3.7 million through the CDFI Fund Equitable Recovery Program! This money will be used to help low-moderate income business communities in Colorado recover from the effects of the pandemic.  Overall, the CDFI Fund awarded over $1.73 billion to 603 CDFIs across the country to help many underserved communities. For information regarding the Equitable Recovery Program, please visit CDFI Fund.  Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11740/CEF-Awarded--3-7-Million-through-the-CDFI-Fund-Equitable-Recovery-Program http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11736/Nim-Patel--CEF-s-Chief-Strategy-Officer--Named-to-Community-Food-Access-Program-Inaugural-Grant-Advisory-Committee blog FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2023 Contact: Olga Robak, olga.robak@state.co.us, 720-428-0441  Community Food Access Program Seats Inaugural Grant Advisory Committee Members Broomfield, Colo. — Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg has approved the selection of six inaugural members to serve on the Community Food Access Grant Advisory Committee that will help establish rules on how to disburse approximately $6 million in grants to lower prices for and increase access to healthy food in underserved areas of the state by supporting small food retailers and small family farms. "Committee members collectively bring knowledge of operating small retail stores, farming, grantmaking, supporting small businesses, working with SNAP EBT systems, and in some cases, using SNAP themselves," said Mickey Davis, Community Food Access program manager. "We are confident this committee will bring the perspectives necessary to make an impactful grant program." The goal of the Community Food Access program is to help small food retailers and small family farms impacted by COVID-19 purchase equipment or reduce the cost of providing access to healthy food in low income, low access neighborhoods and underserved areas of the state. The Grant Advisory Committee will help develop grant materials, qualifying criteria, and assist in the award process of approximately $6 million in grants.  The selected committee members represent both statewide service areas and smaller communities.   "I feel strongly that we each have the responsibility to contribute, as we can, to improving the environment of opportunity and equity for all in our communities. The food system is a foundational prerequisite to these efforts," said Dean Vidal, a farmer in Southwest Colorado, and newly appointed committee member. "CDA's program and the enabling legislation's intent offer real leverage for Colorado communities. I'm excited to be a part of helping our communities prosper." The committee members are: •    Nim Patel, Colorado Enterprise Fund •    Dean Vidal, Farmer, La Plata Food Equity Coalition •    Sara Mayer, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union •    Andrea Crary, Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Colorado Resiliency Office •    Megan Harris, Hunt or Gather Buying Club •    Shaina Knight, Food Bank of the Rockies More information on the Advisory Committee and the Community Food Access Program can be found on CDA's website and in House Bill 22-1380.  ________________________________________   Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11736/Nim-Patel--CEF-s-Chief-Strategy-Officer--Named-to-Community-Food-Access-Program-Inaugural-Grant-Advisory-Committee http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11743/Ceyl-Prinster--CEF-s-President-and-CEO-Selected-as-Titan-100 blog PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15th, 2023 Announcing the recipients of the 2023 Colorado Titan 100 Titan CEO and headline sponsor Wipfli LLP are pleased to announce the 2023 Colorado Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes Colorado's Top 100 CEO's & C-level executives. They are the area's most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Collectively the 2023 Colorado Titan 100 and their companies employ upwards of 50,000 individuals and generate over $37 billion dollars in annual revenues. This year's honorees will be published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online. They will be honored at the annual awards ceremony on June 1st, 2023, and will be given the opportunity to interact and connect multiple times throughout the year with their fellow Titans. "The Titan 100 are changing the way that business is done in Colorado. These preeminent leaders have built a distinguished reputation that is unrivaled and preeminent in their field. We proudly recognize the Titan 100 for their efforts to shape the future of the Colorado business community. Their achievements create a profound impact that makes an extraordinary difference for their clients and employees across the nation." says Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO. This year's Titan 100 embody the true diversity of Colorado's business landscape. Representing healthcare, construction/real estate, technology, software, banking/finance, professional services, hospitality, transportation, and non-profit organizations among others. The annual Titan 100 awards celebration on June 1st, 2023, will be held at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver, CO. Wings Over the Rockies is located on the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base. The museum is housed in the historic Hangar No. 1, built in 1939, and features dozens of historic airplanes, space vehicles, and interactive exhibits. This unique cocktail- style awards event will gather 100 Titans of Industry for an evening, unlike anything that exists in the Colorado business community. "On behalf of the partners and associates at Wipfli, we congratulate the Titan 100 honorees. From the first-year Titans to our new Hall of Fame honorees, we appreciate the lasting impact each leader has made and continues to make, in building organizations of significance both here in Colorado and abroad. Your ingenuity and creativity have set you apart, and the honor of being seen as a Titan is richly deserved," says Pete Aden, Partner at Wipfli. In addition to celebrating 100 Titans of Industry, Titan CEO and Wipfli will be recognizing the Titan 100 Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor has been awarded to only twelve Titan 100 honorees as part of this special commemoration. Titan award recipients are eligible to make the Titan 100 list up to three years, with each year getting progressively more difficult. To make it to the Hall of Fame, Titans must complete on- camera interviews and answer a series of questions where they do not know what will be asked in front of a live judging committee. The Titan 100 Hall of Fame are a class of elite entrepreneurs that have consistently shown over the past three years their ability to demonstrate the characteristics of a Titan who is a pillar of our community. The Hall of Fame recipients have been noted in bold and with an asterisk (*).   Jeffrey Abel - Abel Design Group Michael Aden - Colorado Home Realty Kristi Alford - Haarberg E2 Optics *Tom Atchison - National Corporate Housing *John Barry - Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Tammy Bellofatto - Bayaud Enterprises Shelli Brunswick - Space Foundation Jim Buie - Involta Elizabeth Caswell - Dyer Sopra Communities Inc. Jonathan Cerf - Core Progression Elite Personal Training Doug Chapiewsky - Kanso Software Jason Cherveny - Sanity Solutions Bob Cohen - HM Holdings, LLC Elycia Cook - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado *Darden Coors - Salad Collective, LLC Cody Cornell - Swimlane Gina Coufal - FRIENDS of Broomfield, Inc Sarah Cullen - SideCar Public Relations Joseph Curry - Universal Chain, Inc. Jordan Darragh - PrintReleaf Dan DeGolier - Ascent CFO Solutions Damayanti Dipayana - Manatee Scott Dishong - Make-A-Wish Colorado Noah Drake - Telstra Americas Elizabeth Dressler - Capra Foods Jami Duffy Youth on Record Matt Emerson - AVFX, LLC Karl Falk - Botdoc Diane Ferraro - Save the Storks *Butch Fiore - Fiore & Sons, Inc. Jason Ganahl - GQue BBQ David Gandini - SOBRsafe Liz Geisleman - Rocky Mountain Reagents, Inc Stephen Goldberg - HarperDB Paige Goss - Point Solutions Group *Bill Graebel - Graebel Companies, Inc. Misty Gregarek - National Corporate Housing Jennifer Gremmert - Energy Outreach Colorado Casey Guber - Rose Medical Center and Rose Women's Hospital Albert Gutierrez MedPharm Holdings, LLC dba Bud & Mary's Jennifer Halford - Caliola Engineering *Shawn Hansson - Logic Integration Kate Harris - Stanley Consultants Pamela Harris - Mile High Early Learning Adam Hasemeyer - Kin + Carta Julie Herzog - Fortis Law Partners & Full Velocity Consulting Melinda Higgs - Colorado Nonprofit Development Center *Don Hindman - Johnson Storage & Moving Co., LLC Dana Jacoby - Vector Medical Group, Inc. Brandon Kaufer - Social Good Club Shay Kerman - Urgent Care Solutions dba AFC Urgent Care Brad Knepper - All Copy Products Jaylene Kunze - Urbint Cory Kwarta - Swisslog Healthcare *April Lambatos - Footers Catering, Social Capitol Events, and Mibe Marsh Lavenue - INTERA Sean Leary Sports - Thread *Robert Lindley - Canyon Title *Traci Lounsbury - Elements Tom Luersen - CoralTree Hospitality Group Matt Magrann - Projex Inc. Don Martin - Bloomin Promotions Christian Mezger - Anuvu Robert Nartker - Peak Vista Community Health Centers Bradley Nattrass - urban-gro, Inc. Kathleen Neuheardt - Bonfire Funds, Inc Jason Nimmo - Element13 Facades, LLC Jon Nordmark - Iterate.ai Judith Nowlin - Nest Collaborative Erik Olson - SERVPRO Team Olson Dan Pellegrino - Forbes Partners Jeff Porter - Handbid Cecilia "Ceyl" Prinster - Colorado Enterprise Fund Erin Pulling - Food Bank of the Rockies Kathleen Quinn - Votaw TalenTrust Tamra Ryan - Women's Bean Project Lindsay Salas - CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties Rodrigo Sanchez - El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant Steven Sashen - Xero Shoes Phil Sim - Blytheco Megan Smith - Symbia Logistics *Stuart Smith - Buehler Companies Mark Spiecker STAQ Pharma Holly Steele - GavinHeath Brett Suma - Loadsmith, Inc Gem Swartz - Catalyst Marketing Agency Craig Thomas - Brightstar Capital Partners Irena Todd - Fresh Monster Katie Wafer Gillberg - Hydrate IV Bar Dirk Wallinger - York Space Systems Michael Wamsganz - Citywide Banks Martha Weidmann - NINE dot ARTS Doug Weiss - Gallus Medical Detox Centers Michael Welty - Hartford Homes LLC Meredith Wenskoski Livable Cities Studio Dustin White - Visa, Inc. *Scott Wiley Growcentia, Inc. Ashley Williams Innova Emergency Medical Associates Elena Wuchner EON Office Becky Zimmermann Design Workshop # # #   About Titan 100 The Titan 100 is a national program that recognizes the top 100 CEO's and C-level executives in a region. Representing both the private and public sector, these Titans of Industry demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field. The Titan 100 are recognized at an annual awards event, published in the Titan 100 book, and given the opportunity to connect multiple times throughout the year with their fellow Titans. Titans must be nominated and selected annually with the pinnacle achievement of being recognized as an elite Hall of Fame honoree in their third year. The Titan 100 is one of the fastest-growing, most powerful communities of executives across the nation. Learn more at www.titan100.biz   About Wipfli LLP With more than 70,000 clients and approximately 3,100 associates, Wipfli ranks among the largest accounting and advisory firms in the nation. We bring integrated solutions to help our clients turn data into insights, optimize workflows, increase margins, and transform through digital innovation. Press Contact: Cristina Dowl Senior Program Manager TitanCEO CDowl@TitanCEO.com 720.765.4208 www.titan100.biz Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11743/Ceyl-Prinster--CEF-s-President-and-CEO-Selected-as-Titan-100 http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11555/Small-Business-Spotlight--Patterbar blog "With the funding we received from CEF, we were able to purchase larger quantities of ingredients and initiate new marketing efforts." – Patter Gersuk, Owner of Patterbar Denver, CO | Owner: Patter Gersuk Woman-Owned Food, Beverage, and Agriculture Services Business www.patterbar.com Q&A with Owner, Patter Gersuk Give a high-level overview of your business. Patterbars are a whole-food energy bar, produced in Denver, Colorado. We are a female-owned, family-run business, that started in 2018. How did the idea for your business come about? I used to make these bars for my children because I couldn't find snacks with whole-food ingredients. In 2018, my athletic son-in-law encouraged me to produce and sell them as there was nothing else like them on the market. Every single ingredient in my bar is 100% pure food. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I have been in the industry for 33 years in a professional capacity. I love the creativity and diversity: there are endless sources of inspiration and opportunity. What shift in your business led you to seek out new/additional funding? We are growing. And growth requires money. In order to move to the next phase, to satisfy customer demand, we had to pursue new funding. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience any challenges? I was seeking funding opportunities for at least two years, and experienced significant challenges. We were categorized as a seasonal business and our profit margins were low because we were so new and hadn't yet had an opportunity to capitalize on economies of scale. What was your experience like in working with CEF? Fantastic, from day one. They were clear, supportive, and told us exactly what to expect. We received recommendations to make the process go more smoothly. They were also incredibly responsive during the application and subsequent review process. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? With the funding we received from CEF, we were able to purchase larger quantities of ingredients and initiate new marketing efforts. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? Expanding our customer base in Colorado and beyond, new products and flavors, and some new exciting markets! What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? We are working with a new co-packer and a new local distributor. We have a great start to the farmer's market season! What do you love about the small business community in Colorado? The small business community in Colorado is incredibly supportive and has given me an extraordinary number of resources. The depth and kindness of small business owners here is beyond anything I could have imagined.                          Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11555/Small-Business-Spotlight--Patterbar http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11509/Small-Business-Spotlight--Nude-Foods-Market blog "The funding from CEF enabled us to transition from being a purely delivery based grocery store to opening a brick and mortar store which means we immediately became more accesible to more people!" – Matthew Arnold, Owner of Nude Foods Boulder, CO | Owner: Matthew Arnold Food, Beverage, and Agriculture Services Start-up Business www.nudefoodsmarket.com Q&A with Owner, Matthew Arnold Give a high-level overview of your business. Nude Foods Market is Boulder's first zero-waste grocery store. It's like a traditional grocery store except there's no plastic packaging in sight - everything comes in reusable, returnable glass jars and is local, organic, or rescued. The store is at 3233 Walnut St (just near Twisted Pine). We're open daily 10am - 7pm and also offer delivery by bike and electric vehicle! How did the idea for your business come about? The average American produces 1,704 pounds of trash each year. That's enough to fill 23 million garbage trucks, which is 50 garbage trucks per minute! We wanted to reduce that so decided to create a zero-waste grocery store. Describe your typical customer and what you love about your customers. Our typical customer is sick of all the plastic waste they are forced to produce simply by eating food from a traditional grocery store. They care about the future of our planet and we love that they're willing to go the extra mile to protect it. Describe your journey in seeking out funding for your business. Ie, where did you first go to for funding, did you lean on credit cards, etc.? We started out by making personal loans to the business and have then relied on a variety of loans and credit cards. Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. We felt that after 2 years of revenue, getting funding from mainstream banks would be easier, but we have seen little difference. This meant we had to cover shortfalls with personal loans, but the need for that is getting less and less as the business grows. What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender? We love the ethos of CEF and Nude Foods' founders had had great experiences with CEF before. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? The funding from CEF enabled us to transition from being a purely delivery-based grocery service to opening a brick-and-mortar store that meant we immediately became more accessible to more people! What's on the horizon for you and your small business? Boulder is just the first store. We've already expanded delivery to surrounding towns and are now planning to launch delivery to Denver. Once demand in Denver becomes high enough, we'll open a store. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? We were recently picked as one of the top 15 Independent Grocers across the whole US by Progressive Grocer magazine. We also won multiple awards in the Best of Boulder competition. What do you love about the small business community in Colorado? Boulder's small business community is amazing! The way everyone helps each other out, promotes each others' businesses and provides support is like nowhere else I've ever lived.                   Sat, 04 Feb 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/11509/Small-Business-Spotlight--Nude-Foods-Market http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/10625/Hotel-St--Cloud blog The New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program was created to incentivize community development and economic growth to attract private investment to distressed communities.  The revitalization of Hotel St. Cloud and the surrounding blocks of downtown Canon City Colorado fit that description well.  If not for the allocation of NMTCs the project may have not happened.   Unbridled, an event management company based in Denver, purchased the 26,000 sf Hotel St. Cloud in 2018. It appeared Unbridled might have to set aside the project due to rising building costs after the pandemic; however, with the help of many private and public parties, including a $3 million Community Revitalization Grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and a New Market Tax Credit financing of $9 million from Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), this project will break ground November 2022. This $15 million renovation project of a 19th-century building will include a new bar, three restaurants, and a boutique hotel. Hotel St. Cloud is one component of several larger initiatives in Canon City focused on the renewal and revitalization of downtown to spur tourism and bolster the local economy. The revitalization efforts will create quality, living wage jobs to ensure a diverse economic base, a resilient and growing tax base, and long-term economic vitality for local businesses.  As a result of CEF's NMTC financing, the Hotel St. Cloud will create 59 full-time equivalent construction jobs and 39 full-time equivalent permanent jobs. To extend employment opportunities to individuals who might otherwise have difficulty finding a job, Unbridled has formed partnerships with two organizations that assist individuals with a history of mental health issues, substance abuse, houselessness, and incarceration to build job skills and find employment. Unbridled's commitment to Canon City goes beyond Hotel St. Cloud as they have invested in multiple properties in the downtown area. With Unbridled and the city of Canon City focused on revitalizing and building business, CEF is excited to see this community get the attention they need to create economic growth and make Canon City a great place to live and visit.   CEF was recently awarded another $45 million in NMTC allocation by the Community Development Financial Institution Fund of the U.S. Treasury and plans to deploy this through transformative projects that impact the people and communities CEF serves. To learn more about Hotel St. Cloud, please visit: https://thehotelstcloud.com/ and https://www.fox21news.com/features/we-are-canon-city/main-street-landmark-under-renovation/     Tue, 13 Dec 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/10625/Hotel-St--Cloud http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/10624/Clifton-Community-Resource-Campus blog Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is pleased to announce its latest New Market Tax Credit project in Clifton, CO to help provide desperately needed childcare and early childhood education (ECE) services to the Mesa County area.  Mesa County is considered a childcare desert and currently has only enough licensed childcare providers to serve 20% of children ages 0-5. Because options are limited, many working parents have issues finding affordable, reliable, and enriching childcare.  In fact, a 2019 survey of County residents confirmed how much childcare can affect workers' productivity as 71% of employers reported high absenteeism and 68% experienced high turnover - both due to lack of childcare.  The new Clifton Community Resource Campus (CCRC) aims to address this childcare and ECE services shortage and provide other community amenities to its residents.  The campus will be located on a 20-acre lot and include a 22,690 square foot ECE center, an 11,944 square foot ECE training hub, and an 11,970 square foot gymnasium/community hall to allow for family-friendly, safe recreation and community events. The ECE Center will provide 154 early childhood education seats and create 44 jobs. The ECE training hub will help individuals obtain the qualifications and certifications needed in early childhood education. The training hub will establish 15 jobs and help generate a pipeline of licensed ECE childhood educators for years to come. The gymnasium/community hall was combined with the ECE services as the community felt the parks were not safe and they needed an area for kids to recreate. It is anticipated the gymnasium/community hall will also host 95-125 exciting community events each year including concerts, holiday celebrations, sporting events, school dances, and more. Hence, the CCRC achieves the goal of helping working parents have access to needed childcare and providing a place for the community to gather and enjoy for generations.  Additionally, there will be a 25,000 square foot building constructed for the new Clifton library next to the CCRC. While the library was not part of the NMTC project, this will be made possible as an impact of the NMTC financing, allowing the County to use other funds to complete the library. CEF is honored to be a partner in this project and feels the CCRC exemplifies how NMTC projects can impact a community through job creation, reinvigorating the community, and producing a positive outcome for underserved or low-income areas. CEF can't wait to see this new addition to the Clifton community open in 2024! To learn more, please visit: https://www.mesacounty.us/community-halls-project/pages/clifton/ To learn more about CEF New Market Tax Credit projects, please visit: https://coloradoenterprisefund.org/New-Market-Tax-Credit Tue, 06 Dec 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/10624/Clifton-Community-Resource-Campus http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9968/Small-Business-Spotlight--Montessori-Academy-of-Northern-Colorado blog "The last banker that I dealt with referred me to CEF and they helped me secure my building. I would not have survived COVID without owning it." – Andrea Coe, Owner of Montessori Academy of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO | Owner: Andrea Coe Woman-Owned Early Childhood Education Business www.montessorianc.info   Q&A with Owner, Andrea Coe Give a high level overview of your business. Located in Greeley, we offer full-day and part-time child care and preschool in an authentic Montessori environment. Our highly educated staff provide quality care for children 8 weeks through kindergarten. We are proud of our reputation in the area and it is a privilege to serve our community. How did the idea for your business come about? My mother started a Montessori school in 1970 so my twin brother and I could have the same experience as my older siblings in Iowa. I worked at one of her schools in high school and helped with startups. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I have been around Montessori schools over 50 years and teaching for over 35 years. Maria Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times and her vision was Peace through the Child. Children give hope to humanity. Every day is different and the dynamics of each classroom varies each year. What shift in your business led you to seek out new/additional funding? After leasing my current property for 10 years, the owners wanted to sell and I began looking for financing. A banker referred me to CEF where I was able to secure my building. I would not have survived COVID without owning it. How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community? Right after I secured owning my building, COVID hit. I was able to stay open and secure further funds to help through the pandemic with the COVID Relief loan from CEF. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? We have been nominated by the community for "The Best of Greeley" list for child care centers, which is a nice accomplishment.              Tue, 30 Aug 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9968/Small-Business-Spotlight--Montessori-Academy-of-Northern-Colorado http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9876/Project-Worthmore blog Project Worthmore focuses on helping its clients assimilate to a new life and culture, learn English, fulfill financial obligations, and train to become self-sufficient. The founders, Frank and Carolyn Anello, started in 2011 and have evolved their offerings from English classes in living rooms to offering six comprehensive programs and services which includes the Worthmore Clinic. The Worthmore Clinic is a dental clinic offering comprehensive restorative and preventative dental care to refugees, some of whom have never had dental care available to them. Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation and Colorado Enterprise Fund are teaming together to help Project Worthmore complete a build-out of a facility they bought almost two years ago. This building will not only help refugees with their dental care but also serve as an institution to train future dentists and hygienists. This $1.45 million low-interest loan will allow Project Worthmore to build welcoming offices, purchase new dental equipment, and hire individuals to deliver high-quality dental care. Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is dedicated to elevating the well-being of all Coloradans by advancing oral health equity. Colorado Enterprise Fund is committed to helping underserved populations by financing businesses that accelerate community prosperity. Therefore, it is no surprise the Worthmore Clinic was a project they both wanted to be associated with and becomes a celebration for all involved. While Colorado Enterprise Fund is excited to be part of the Project Worthmore dental clinic, we want to acknowledge all the other wonderful programs they provide to refugees. The Community Navigators help families find initial housing when they arrive in Colorado, help get children enrolled in schools, and assist with finding employment. The Delaney Community Farm Project and Yu Meh Food Share supports access to fresh, healthy food. Project Worthmore has opened their hearts to those in need and helped refugees to become part of our communities. To learn more, please visit www.projectworthmore.org and www.deltadentalcofoundation.org   Fri, 29 Jul 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9876/Project-Worthmore http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9860/Small-Business-Spotlight--Zebra-Productions blog "The PPP loan helped us from shutting the doors and the ability to keep paying all my guys!" – John Tabor, Owner, Zebra Productions Colorado Springs, CO | Owner: John Tabor Minority-Owned Professional Services Business https://www.zebra-productions.com/   Q&A with Owner, John Tabor Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. We do stage lighting for all kinds of events, including anything from the president coming to town to live concerts, houses of worship, theaters, and festivals. How did the idea for your business come about? I have been in the industry for a while and thought we could meet people's needs with their events in a better way. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? I have been in the industry for about 20 years. I love the networks and friendships that I've had from the start and they just keep getting better. How did the PPP loan you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your industry? It really helped me keep on top of rent and utilities during COVID, while my entire industry was shut down. There were no live events and we had to pivot to streaming events and re-tooling what we had to make it work. The PPP loan helped us from shutting the doors and gave us the ability to keep paying all my guys! What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process? Even though I do not like to take on debt, loans are something you have to do every now and then. If a couple of bad months occur, we could still make it. It is a slower journey, but I have been happy with it. What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders? I found that CEF was more personal than a regular bank. You get a real person who makes you feel really cared for when you contact them. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? I just got done working on some national tours and events.                                Tue, 26 Jul 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9860/Small-Business-Spotlight--Zebra-Productions http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9574/Small-Business-Spotlight--GoFarm blog "It was not so much a shift, but growth. As our Community Food Access program grew, the interest in our markets exceeded our capacity." – Lindsey Hoffman, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, GoFarm Golden, CO | Owner: Eileen O'Rourke  www.gofarm.org | Food, Beverage, and Agriculture Business   Q&A with Marketing & Fundraising Manager, Lindsey Hoffman Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc. GoFarm is a nonprofit organization, based in Golden, Colorado, with a mission to train and support local farmers, connect people with local agriculture, and increase equitable access to nutrient-rich food grown in Colorado. Through this work, we are strengthening the local food system (the process of how food moves from the farm, to our plates, and everything in between). Our work gets us closer to our vision of having a local food system that is equitable, resilient, environmentally sustainable, and inclusive. One in which farmers and farm workers have the resources they need to thrive and farm safely, community members have reliable access to healthy, local, and sustainably grown food, and everyone feels inspired to engage in their local food community. How did the idea for your business come about? GoFarm's founder crafted the idea of GoFarm after doing research on local food systems and recognizing where the gaps existed. GoFarm focuses on increasing the supply of locally-grown food, building necessary infrastructure to distribute food, and ensuring that equity was a priority. How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry? GoFarm was founded in 2014. Our work spans different industries, including local agriculture, food access, and non-profit. Within these industries, there's desire to work together as a collective force. We love that we can work alongside our partners to better our food system! What shift in your business led you to seek out new/additional funding? It was not so much a shift, but growth. As our Community Food Access program grew, the interest in our markets exceeded our capacity. So we decided to seed funding to purchase a mobile market, a refrigerated vehicle that would allow us to provide more food for people in the community. What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.? As a 501(c)3, we had experience applying for grants to help fund our programs and projects. Though there were always difficulties along the way with finding the right grants that fit our needs. We were grateful that we could apply for funding through CEF and continue to grow our impact! What was your experience like in working with CEF? Overall, it was a positive experience! They understand the importance of local agriculture and increasing food access, and they provide a lot of opportunities for small businesses to obtain low interest loans, which is what our nonprofit needed. Working with our loan officer was especially easy. What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF? We were able to purchase a Mobile Market, #ChucktheGoFarmTruck, to host food markets across our region. The mobile market helps us achieve our goal of increasing equitable access to nutrient-rich food, and building inclusive spaces where everyone can feel welcome in their local food system. What's on the horizon for you and your small business? We have a lot of plans for GoFarm's future! For example, we'll be hosting more education events, and are hoping to launch a new pricing model for our mobile markets to make our food even more accessible! Join our mailing list at Gofarm.org/join-our-mailing-list to get more updates. What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business? During the past year we had an incredible impact in our community. In 2021, we supported 67 local, sustainable farms and helped 12 beginning farmers start their own farm. We made food more accessible for 1,659 households and sourced $8,956 worth of locally-grown food to 3 food pantries. What do you love about the small business community in Colorado? We love that there is so much camaraderie and support within the small business community of Colorado. We work with so many partners and like-minded organizations who want to support our work, increase equity within the food system, and help combat climate change through sustainable agriculture. Thanks to the following collaboration partners:                                          Thu, 19 May 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/9574/Small-Business-Spotlight--GoFarm http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7052/Small-Business-Spotlight--Eagle-Synergistic blog "The BAS team has extra insight I didn't have, and Jason has been there for me in crucial times. He understands what I'm dealing with and gives me strategy recommendations at times when I'm about to make a big decision." – Janet Castle, Owner, Eagles Synergistic Golden, CO | Owner: Janet Castle  www.eaglesynergistic.com | Professional Services  Traditional methods of environmental investigations can take years and even decades. But with new subsurface imaging technologies, it's possible to successfully pinpoint soil and groundwater contamination much more efficiently and, therefore, more quickly. Janet Castle started Eagle Synergistic because of her passion and desire to do something to help improve water quality. "It's pretty scary. People don't realize how much contamination there is," she tells. "With our new subsurface investigation technologies, we can tell our clients exactly where the contamination is located in the subsurface in only a few days." To start her company, Janet utilized her own funds and was able to secure additional financing from a bank. But, just before the loan closed, the bank cut it short, leaving Janet short on the cash she needed to get things going. That's when Janet's bank suggested she reach out to CEF, who was able to step in and quickly get her the remaining funds required. From there, Eagle Synergistic has grown and now has six full-time and three part-time employees who work out of the office in Denver and out in the field in the "command center" subsurface imaging units. Janet is excited to close out this year strong. To give things an extra boost, she's worked with the CEF Business Acceleration Services (BAS) team to discover new avenues to grow revenue more quickly, different ways to acquire equipment, and where she can cut costs. "This is something that needs to be done to help alleviate the contamination in our drinking water crisis. That's why I started this business," she passionately explains. For this single mom who put it all on the line in order to try to make a difference, the risk is worth the reward and the difference she can make. Thanks to the following collaboration partner: .           Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7052/Small-Business-Spotlight--Eagle-Synergistic http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7046/Small-Business-Spotlight--FERAL blog "Everyone does something that we do, but there are very few stores that do everything we do." – Jimmy Funkhouser, Owner, FERAL  Denver, CO | Owner: Jimmy Funkhouser www.liveferal.com | Retail Services In 2016, Jimmy Funkhouser decided to quit his 10-year corporate career and follow his dream of opening an outdoor gear shop. Four short months after making that decision, and with the help of a loan from CEF, Jimmy opened FERAL Mountain Co. At first glance, FERAL might look like any other outdoor store. Look closer and you'll see how Jimmy has built more than that. FERAL is focused on community, sustainability, and, of course, the outdoors. Through its used gear program, and repair and restoration services, FERAL encourages outdoor enthusiasts to repair or sell their gear before buying new - helping to reduce waste and making gear more affordable and accessible for all. Like any small business owner, Jimmy has faced challenges with his small business. In 2018, the store was forced out of its original location when their landlord decided to redevelop the Tennyson Street property. After raising $100k from the community via crowdfunding, FERAL reopened in a building down the street, keeping the business alive and even expanding its footprint. With the COVID-19 business closures, Jimmy faced the threat of shutting his doors for good yet again. However, he was determined not to let that happen and sought out funding via the SBA Paycheck Protection Program. "The PPP loan through CEF saved our business," he tells. Jimmy's determination and commitment to his community have paid off and the FERAL team is happy to continue making experiencing the outdoors more inclusive for all through their mission, "Create adventure."   Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7046/Small-Business-Spotlight--FERAL http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7049/Small-Business-Spotlight--Sewer-Experts-Inc blog "Everything I worked for was going to be gone in a matter of three months and I was living on a prayer." – Marisa Beaver, Owner, Sewer Experts Inc. Commerce City, CO | Owner: Marisa Beaver | www.sewerex.com  Woman & Minority-Owned Construction Business MBE Loan Program | Commerce City Community Loan Pool | Adams County Community Loan Pool   When Marisa Beaver first started her demolition, excavation, sewer, and water company, Sewer Experts, they had a backlog of contracts. But even with this backlog of work, payments were slow to come in and Marisa struggled with having the cash flow to sustain the company. She knew she needed to seek out financial support, fast. Marisa took out a loan thinking the high interest that went along with it was inevitable. Then, after projects were put on hold and winter hit, further slowing business, she realized she was facing a dire situation - Marisa had put her house as collateral on the loan and was one payment away from losing it and her entire company. "I turned to a friend and he encouraged me to find something other than a shark loan... I spent all night calling place after place when someone in Ohio directed me to CEF," Marisa tells. After securing a loan with CEF, Marisa was able to pay off her other loan. She recounts, "I was able to breathe for the first time in six months." In addition to her first loan, Marisa also received two Paycheck Protection Program loans through CEF. "Because of them, I was able to start another company and hire four people during the pandemic," she explains. With the faith of a mustard seed, Marisa continues to defy the odds in this male-dominated industry. Sewer Experts recently landed an on-call Denver Housing Authority contract and was also featured on the cover of a national magazine, Dig Different. Marisa tells of an accomplishment even more important to her though, stating, "The biggest win is we are able to provide for ten employees and their families and I am so blessed to be able to help do that." Thanks to the following collaboration partners:          .       .       Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7049/Small-Business-Spotlight--Sewer-Experts-Inc http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7051/Small-Business-Spotlight--Chambers-Place blog "CEF was amazing to work with! In addition to their own support, they were even able to bring a health foundation to the project with a low interest loan to complete the package. Their commitment to helping the community really shows in everything they do." – Chris Leevers Owner, Chambrs Place Thornton, CO | Owner: Chris Leevers | www.savealot.com Minority-Owned Retail Services | MBE & HFFI Loan Programs When an old Safeway grocery store closed its doors in the Montbello neighborhood six years ago, the other stores in the shopping center soon started departing, too. Once an economic hub filled with locals shopping for fresh groceries as well as other goods and services, the abandoned strip mall created even further disparity in the already distressed neighborhood. But brothers Chris and John Leevers were determined to reinvigorate the area and set out to redevelop the approximately 80,000 square feet of commercial real estate space they called Chambers Place. Their plan? Bring their employee-owned supermarket, Save-A-Lot, into the grocery space and bring other healthoriented tenants into the other open units. Though the Leevers already had some bank funding for the project, it only covered about half of the total project costs. They looked for more than two years for the additional financing before finding CEF, who was able to fill their funding gap by working as the lead lender for three nonprofit investors in a mezzanine loan to the project. [CEF's] organization and support was critical in bringing this project and center back to life," says Chris. In addition to the Save-A-Lot, other tenants like Planet Fitness, a DaVita dialysis clinic, and Early Success Academy (another CEF borrower), help to address the many social needs of a community with health disparities and high poverty levels. "We try to go one step further by working with customers to build healthier families and communities," says John. This shows not only in the abundance of health-oriented tenants at Chambers Place but is also evident in the unique use of the Save-A-Lot Community Room – a space for cooking and nutrition classes, community meetings, and health screenings. This once run-down shopping center is now booming with activity. The overall health, fitness, and family orientation, along with the 80+ jobs created within the shopping center has created positive community impact that will last for years to come. Thanks to the following collaboration partners:               .       .      Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/7051/Small-Business-Spotlight--Chambers-Place http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2821/Small-Business-Spotlight--The-Children-s-Health-Place blog   "I tried to see what options there were for a veteran trying to start a small business, but the traditional banks were not concerned about my veteran status." – Abe Herrera, Owner Greely, CO | Owner: Abe Herrera | www.mytchp.com Minority-Owned Health Services | Weld County Loan Pool | MBE & VALOR Loan Programs START The Children's Health Place in Greeley has been a go-to for families to tend to their children's health needs since 1983. Today, thanks to veteran Abe Herrera, it's the city's last standing independent pediatric practice. Abe started working at the practice in 2013 under the original founder, Dr. Dubynsky before purchasing it in March of 2019. "I wondered what would happen when my boss was ready to retire. This is my neighborhood, my community, and we do wonderful things here. I felt compelled to take over and continue the legacy of The Children's Health Place," says Abe. GROW A 21-year Army veteran with a master's degree in organizational leadership, Abe turned to banks to get a small business loan for the purchase of the practice. But several banks turned him down. "I tried to see what options there were for a veteran trying to start a small business, but the traditional banks were not concerned about my veteran status," he recalls. Giving up wasn't an option for Abe, though, and thanks to a recommendation from one of the banks, he reached out to Colorado Enterprise Fund where he was able to secure funding. With funding from CEF locked in, and the future of the Children's Health Place secured, Abe was ready to focus on his new business venture. THRIVE The next phase for The Children's Health Place? Grow their footprint to expand their services and serve more patients.  With six exam rooms currently, Abe is adding an additional seven rooms; three of which he plans to lease out to a pediatric physical therapist, a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist, making the practice a one-stop-shop for children's health care needs. The importance of this growth goes beyond childcare. "Right now, we have to refer families to outside providers for these services. By bringing these providers onsite, not only are we simplifying health care for families, but we're helping other small businesses in our community, as well," Abe tells. Thanks to the following collaboration partners:             Wed, 17 Jun 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2821/Small-Business-Spotlight--The-Children-s-Health-Place http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2801/Small-Business-Spotlight--Beltran-s-Meat-Market blog "CEF offers a huge service for the community. Their financial resources and business education is a package deal. To have this all in one place makes a big impact on small business." – Valerie Beltran, Co-owner Broomfield, CO | Owners: Valerie Beltran & Michael Gropper www.beltransmeatarket.com | Woman & Minority-Owned Food Services | Adams County Loan Pool | HHFI & MBE Loan Program   START With roots in Colorado and Mexico, experience running family businesses and an entrepreneurial spirit, it was just a matter of time before Valerie Beltran and her husband, Cesar, opened their own Mexican grill and meat market in Northglenn. Returning to Colorado after the recession, Valerie and Cesar worked in government jobs but felt limited in what they could accomplish. They had raised six children and operated a business in New Mexico. So, opening a small store and market in Northglenn didn't seem that risky. GROW With business plan in hand and a rental space in mind, Valerie went to the City of Northglenn and was referred to Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) for financing. She qualified for a loan to help renovate and equip their new business, Beltran's Meat Market. "We've had several loans with Accion and banks," Valerie recalled, "But we had a much more positive, actually, incredible experience dealing with CEF. They were way faster than a bank." THRIVE The store opening went well with sales posting higher than expected. "We couldn't have done what we did like we wanted without CEF," remarked Valerie. Their grocery store/meat market continues to have a big impact on the local community garnering Westword's Best Taco in Denver award in 2018 and the City of Northglenn's Rookie Business of the Year honor. With their children grown, Valerie and Cesar plan to expand the business with CEF's help. As for being an asset to small businesses in Colorado, Valerie responded, "CEF offers a huge service for the community. The financial resources and business education CEF provides is a package deal. To have this all in one place makes a big impact on small business." Thanks to the following collaboration partner: .       Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2801/Small-Business-Spotlight--Beltran-s-Meat-Market http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2820/Small-Business-Spotlight--TeaLee-s-Tea-House-and-Bookstore blog   "CEF was the bridge for us. Its community focus and flexible financing were critical to getting us through a tough time." – Rise Jones, Co-owner Denver, CO | Co-Owner: Rise Jones | www.tealeesdenver.com Woman and Minority-Owned Food Services  START Life-changing events can drive changes in your lifestyle. That was the case for Denver native Rise Jones, co-owner of TeaLee's Tea House and Bookstore, located near the historic Five Points neighborhood where she grew up.  Faced with tackling a rare form of leukemia, Rise's husband and TeaLee's co-owner, Louis Freeman, asked her what she wanted to do after she recovered. She said, "Open a tea house." Specifically, one that would cater to Afro-centric culture and the Five Points community, over soothing cups of tea, cake and conversation. The journey to launch her new small business was almost as challenging as Rise's diagnosis and recovery. From drafting the initial business plan in 2012 to finding a store location in 2015 and initial financing in 2016, Rise and Louis overcame many obstacles to officially open Tealee's in early 2018. "The developer had delays with renovations to the century-old building, so we didn't get our Certificate of Occupancy until November 2017." As a result, they had to refile expired business paperwork and start a GoFundMe page to keep going GROW Rise got help from Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) in 2016 after attending a small business workshop where she met a CEF staff member who qualified her for a gap loan. She and Louis also took advantage of CEF's free Business Acceleration Services (BAS) for legal assistance to set up their new business for success. "CEF was the bridge for us," remarked Rise. "Its community focus and flexible financing were critical to getting us through a tough time." THRIVE Now open Tuesday through Saturday with a growing customer base following major media coverage of their opening, Rise and Louis see their business being more than just a tea house.  It's become a gathering place for locals wanting to preserve Denver's rich black history and customs. The cozy shop features African-inspired jewelry, art, textiles, and a bookstore downstairs where afternoon tea is served. Pastries, salads and sandwiches are made from scratch by onsite chef, Olu Augustine, who incorporates North African flavors into TeaLee's menu. Another small business, Chocolate Lab, provides sweets for sale. "CEF is a wonderful organization," Louis said. "They and other angels have come through for us when we needed help." .       Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2820/Small-Business-Spotlight--TeaLee-s-Tea-House-and-Bookstore http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2819/Small-Business-Spotlight--Fiona-s-Deli-Bakery-and-Catering blog "CEF functions in the same small business environment as our deli. We come back because they really help us to succeed. They always treat us like people, not just an asset." – Elizabeth McBryde, Co-owner Fort Collins, CO | Owners: Scott & Elizabeth McBryde www.fionasdeli.com | Women-Owned Food Services   START From careers in hospitality to becoming small business owners, Elizabeth and Scott McBryde never considered any other option but to work together. Their mutual love of cooking and catering helped them create a business that is a symbol of comforting, tasty and elegant food. Originally located in Fort Collins Old Town area with Scott as chef and Elizabeth overseeing marketing and sales, Fiona's Deli, Bakery and Catering soon outgrew its storefront and moved south of the city in 2006 to larger quarters where Elizabeth and Scott's custom-made deli sandwiches, baked goods and catering services are available daily. Their focus on making "good food" utilizing locally-grown produce, handmade pastas and pastries, and imported ingredients have guaranteed the couple a loyal following for almost 20 years. GROW To grow their business from its beginnings in Old Town, Elizabeth and Scott needed a loan. They were referred by First National Bank to Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) where they qualified for several loans, the first one to finance moving to their current location, and others to help them purchase new bakery equipment, hire staff, and refresh their store interior. "CEF functions in the same small business environment as our deli," remarked Elizabeth. "We come back because they really help us to succeed. They always treat us like people, not just an asset." The duo also took advantage of CEF's Business Acceleration Services (BAS) to support their business planning and employee retention efforts. THRIVE Having survived the recession by supporting their community, Elizabeth and Scott continue to provide award-winning service to nonprofits including the Larimer County Victim Response team, humane society, respite care, and Foothills Gateway whose clients get to improve their skills by working at the deli. The McBrydes are also passionate about preserving the independent bakery industry that has declined in Colorado. "We see a need for more resources to be available to small businesses so we can remain competitive," commented Elizabeth. "To have more purchasing power in the next decade will help us and other entrepreneurs stay in business. Despite these challenges and related demands on their time, Elizabeth and Scott remain positive about their decision to own their business and grow with CEF. "Their staff have been with us from the start as both lenders and friends. It's been a fantastic help."   Thanks to the following collaboration partner: .       Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2819/Small-Business-Spotlight--Fiona-s-Deli-Bakery-and-Catering http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2818/Small-Business-Spotlight--Early-Success-Academy blog "CEF has taken me from where I was to where I could get better, coaching me along the way. They never stopped supporting me." – Diana Gadison, Founder/Owner Denver, CO | Owner: Diana Gadison | Early Success Academy Women & Minority-Owned Education Services  START As an elementary school principal working in the sprawling Montbello neighborhood of Northeast Denver, Diana Gadison saw a lot of things happening with her students on a daily basis. What she often noticed were children waiting alone outside for long periods of time before and after school. She soon realized the problem – insufficient childcare – and decided to do something about it. After consulting with her mother who managed an in-home childcare business and discovering there were only two local daycare options, Diana looked around for a place where her vision of a childcare center could take root. "My mother and I found a home on the corner, a former crack house," Diana recalled. "We approached the owner about our idea and she agreed to let us take over the note on the property." GROW Having found her place, Diana needed to upgrade the 1200 sf property to meet state licensing requirements for childcare facilities. Initially, she spent all her retirement money dong just that but it wasn't enough. She needed a loan. "I applied to 5 to 6 banks who turned me down, so the property sat unfinished for six months," remarked Diana. "I searched online for other loans and found Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF). I discovered a friend of mine got a loan from CEF and she recommended I apply." In 1995, Diana got a loan for $10,000, one of many she would receive from CEF, along with timely hands-on business coaching to help set up her center for success. "My CEF consultant advised me on what makes a start-up business successful," Diana said. "And the accountant I met then is still my accountant today!" From her CEF experience, Diana learned that "business is more than a great idea. Surround yourself with professionals to succeed, like people who will give you encouragement and confidence." Like CEF's in-house Business Accelerations Services team. THRIVE Using her first CEF loan to complete renovations to her property and get city permits, Diana opened Early Success Academy in 1996 to take care of 10 children. She quickly outgrew her first facility and moved into a 5000 sf building with the help of another CEF loan, a grant from the City and County of Denver, and her own business income. Diana and her staff of 16 now care for 110 children, having expanded their weekday hours to meet the needs of parents who work various jobs and shifts. Her next goal is to buy and move into a free-standing facility so she can expand her childcare schedule and services to continue to meet the needs of more Montbello families. Diana's contributions to her community and childcare have gotten local and national recognition. Her Early Success Academy is recognized as the only and longest-running childcare facility in Montbello contracted with the Denver Public Schools District. Her center is also certified with the same district to provide HeadStart and speciall needs services, and is affliated with the Denver Preschool Program. In 2011, Diana was a featured speaker at a University of Denver forum highlighting women in business. In the audience were US Representatives Diane DeGette and Nancy Pelosi who invited Diana to Washington, D.C. to address a Democratic congressional committee on how for-profit businesses can successfully partner with government agencies. It was an unforgettable experience, Diana remembers. "CEF has taken me from where I was to where I could get better, coaching me along the way. They never stopped supporting me." .       Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2818/Small-Business-Spotlight--Early-Success-Academy http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2817/Small-Business-Spotlight--Dry-Land-Distillers blog "We're really thrilled to be one of many small businesses that CEF supports. It's a great match." – Marc Statts, Co-owner, Dry Land Distillers Longmont, CO | Owners: Aaron, Nels, & Marc Statts www.drylanddistillerscom | Food Services VALOR Loan Program   START The influence of the West can be seen in home and fashion trends, and tasted in foods created from native wildlife and crops. But the ability to sip Colorado's unique essence? Now you can. Meet the trio behind Dry Land Distillers, a new veteran-owned small business that opened in spring 2018 on Longmont's Main Street. Founders Aaron Main, Marc Staats and Nels Wroe have brought new meaning to "locally-sourced and crafted" beverages with their signature Heirloom Wheat Whiskey and an original Cactus spirit made from native Colorado varieties of prickly-pear cactus. Using indigenous botanicals, including native grains and plants, these entrepreneurs have created complex flavors from distilling ingredients unique to the spirits industry. GROW To finance their dream, Nels looked into bank financing which wasn't well suited to small business operating capital. He was referred to Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) for financing through its VALOR veteran loan program with Aaron and Marc's military service qualifying the business for discounted loan rates and terms. "CEF helped us get to the next phase of production," Marc shared, "with the purchase of new equipment and raw materials for a new product line." The trio also worked with CEF's Business Acceleration Services (BAS) consulting team to streamline operational growth and investments. THRIVE The Dry Land Distillers startup was the result of many years of research and development in the booming craft beverage market combining different backgrounds and skill sets. Nels comes from corporate America and manages operations while Aaron is a Navy veteran and master distiller. Marc, on active duty, brings expertise running supply chains on the East Coast for the Department of Defense. Together these three entrepreneurs have turned their love of Colorado into a profitable business and found a way to generate opportunities for others by creating new jobs, using local suppliers, and contributing to the local economy. "We took a huge leap of faith to give people a taste of the West," Mark said. "We're really thrilled to be one of many small businesses that CEF supports. It's a great match." The Veteran Access Loan Opportunity Resource (VALOR) loan program is dedicated to helping veteran entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses in Colorado. The program is made possible through a $2.2 million investment by Bank of America with additional support from the Xcel Energy Foundation. Thanks to the following collaboration partners:              .       Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/blog/2817/Small-Business-Spotlight--Dry-Land-Distillers http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/job/229/Director-of-Credit job We have an immediate opening for an exceptional, experienced Director of Credit will lead our CEF underwriting and asset quality team. We are looking for a candidate who has leadership skills and prior experience guiding employees through change. The Director of Credit will play a central role in the growth and expansion of CEF's underwriting and credit function. They will provide structure, management and mentorship to underwriters and other members of our credit team. The Director of Credit will partner internally to support meeting budgeted goals, contribute to process improvements, develop networks, and help ensure CEF's financing is aligned with its mission and strategy.  This role will be critical in Compliance and Portfolio management through ongoing portfolio analysis while ensuring our lending products align with our mission to support underserved Colorado Small Businesses. Apply Here Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:22:59 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/job/229/Director-of-Credit http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/job/205/Community-Loan-Officer-Southern-Colorado job We have an immediate opening for an exceptional, experienced Community Loan Officer-Southern Colorado (CLO-SoCo). This is an important role with the ability to make a large impact in the Colorado small business community. We need someone who understands that serving others will make them the most successful. We are looking for a great CLO-SoCo who fits well within our dynamic culture of "aggressive teamwork" and who believes deeply in providing the right products and services to prospects and customers.  The main duties of our CLO-SoCo at CEF is to connect with referral sources such as banks, SBA offices, SBDC's and other community organizations in El Paso, Teller, Pueblo, and Fremont County to cultivate and manage loan applications to completed funding. Your ability to build trust will be critical to your success both with referral sources and Southern Colorado small business owners. Your dynamic, curious, intelligent, persistent, creative, driven character will be your primary differentiator. This role requires a self-motivated driven individual who is comfortable building relationships across a wide variety of spectrums. The CLO-SoCo will report to our Director of Strategic Lending. Key attributes for success include flexibility and being a bilingual Spanish speaker due to the communities that we are looking to serve.  Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:22:59 GMT http://coloradoenterprisefund.org/job/205/Community-Loan-Officer-Southern-Colorado