Access to Captial
Access to Capital
Lakewood’s Economic Development Division offers guidance about loans, capital or financing that may be right for your business or nonprofit.
Additionally, the City and County of Denver has compiled a comprehensive Capital Matrix of most known funding sources for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Colorado’s Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT)’s Business Funding and Incentives page lists helpful information about programs and funding as well.
Micro and Small Business Loans Up to $250,000
ACCION is an award-winning nonprofit organization that invests in the community by increasing access to business credit, making loans and providing training to help emerging and existing entrepreneurs.
The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute is a nonprofit microfinance organization that combines business development services and microloans to help entrepreneurs build businesses as a means of becoming economically self-sufficient.
Impact Development Fund (IDF) is a nonprofit community development financial institution that offers affordable loans and technical assistance to small businesses. IDF’s goal is to help entrepreneurs who are committed to creating jobs, fostering local economic development, and driving community growth.
LiftFund is a nonprofit community development financial institution that offers microloans to small business owners across the United States since its founding in 1994. LiftFund’s mission is to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that create jobs and support economic growth.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s Business Finance Division brings together several financing tools, including debt and equity financing, cash incentives, grants and tax credits, to support economic development activities that improve and support employment opportunities in Colorado. Visit the Business Finance section of their website.
Larger Business Loans Over $250,000
Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is a nonprofit community development financial institution founded in 1976 to help small businesses. The Fund provides small business loans up to $1M to entrepreneurs unable to obtain financing from traditional sources. CEF offers access to management consulting and business training.
The Colorado Startup Fund, managed by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), provides loans and equity investments to early-stage businesses in Colorado. Designed to support innovative startups, the fund helps entrepreneurs access the capital they need to scale their operations, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is a state program designed to create affordable housing, business and economic growth opportunities for Colorado residents. CHFA's ACCESS program provides financing for fixed assets with a first mortgage funded as part of an SBA 504 loan package.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loan programs for specific purposes. Ask your business bank about the SBA loans they currently provide.
Bside Fund is committed to providing accessible, low-interest loans to businesses with a focus on promoting economic equity and community development. Their loan programs are designed to support small businesses, particularly those led by people of color and other underserved communities.
Startup Colorado is a resource hub dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and startups in the state of Colorado. Through its comprehensive Funding Database, Startup Colorado provides access to a wide array of funding opportunities, including grants, investments, and loans. The platform helps entrepreneurs connect with financial resources and guidance to accelerate business growth and innovation.
Additionally, the City of Lakewood is home to a diverse range of private financial institutions that offer business loans to support local entrepreneurs and businesses. These institutions provide a variety of financing options, tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses at different stages of growth.
Loans for Nonprofits
The Colorado Gives Foundation is dedicated to enhancing philanthropy across the state by offering nonprofits access to resources and funding opportunities. Through partnerships with lenders and funders, they provide access to low-interest loans and financial services designed to support nonprofits in their missions.
The Denver Foundation is a community-focused philanthropic organization that aims to support nonprofits in the Denver area through a variety of funding solutions. Through their loan programs, they provide nonprofits with affordable financing to help them grow, renovate, or launch new initiatives.
The Kenneth King Foundation offers loans to nonprofits that support educational, cultural, and social causes. Their loan programs are designed to provide flexible, low-interest financing for capital improvement projects, operational support, and program expansion.
Gary Community Ventures is dedicated to strengthening the impact of nonprofits by providing access to flexible, low-interest loans designed to fuel growth and sustainability. Through their mission-driven investments, they offer financial support to organizations focused on improving outcomes for children and families in Colorado. Their loan programs are designed to help nonprofits expand their operations, develop new initiatives, and invest in infrastructure that enhances their ability to serve the community.
Tax Credits
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)’s New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) program is a tax credit program that can help small businesses access financing for projects in distressed areas. Financing is typically for real estate development or equipment purchases.
Colorado’s Enterprise Zone Program offers tax incentives to encourage business growth and investment in designated areas throughout the state. This program provides businesses with significant tax credits, such as job creation and investment credits, to stimulate economic development and job creation in underserved regions.