Program Summary
The CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Resiliency) Loan Fund provides up to $250 million in working capital loans to Colorado small businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic and ongoing economic struggles. It is promoting small businesses resiliency, creating and saving jobs, and helps to support the Colorado economy.
Lenders, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, and nonprofit lenders can participate and provide loans for their small business customers needing financial assistance.
Small businesses with 1 to 99 employees that were financially stable before the pandemic but now need help to survive may apply for working capital loans between $10,000 and $500,000. Below-market interest rates and a one-year deferred payment option make the program a secure recovery option for small businesses.
Oversight Board
Overall program oversight is from a 5-member Small Business Resiliency Oversight Board, chaired by the State Treasurer. In addition to the Treasurer, the members of the Board include the designee of the Director of the Colorado Minority Business Office, and three appointed members with executive-level experience in banking or capital markets. The Board is charged by statute for developing criteria for loan eligibility, setting loan product parameters, ensuring equitable access to capital across all 64 Colorado counties, collecting loan data, and establishing other requirements.
Board Members:
- Treasurer Dave Young, Chair
- Malcolm Evans
- Dianne Myles
- Bonifacio Sandoval
- Azarel Madrigal
Overview
Type: Loans
For: Small businesses
Amount: $10,000 to $500,000
OEDIT division: Business Funding and Incentives
Small Businesses Love the CLIMBER Loan
“The CLIMBER loan was a game-changer for High Point Creamery. It provided us with the critical financial support to navigate unexpected challenges and continue creating exceptional ice cream for our community. Programs like this empower small businesses to stay resilient and grow, even in uncertain times.”
Erika Thomas, Owner
High Point Creamery
The CLIMBER Board is required to meet on a quarterly basis. The board meeting dates are to be determined by the board and subject to change at the boards discretion. Below are links to the 2025 CLIMBER meeting Agendas and Minutes. For reference, when accessing these links, they will open up in a new window and will be a PDF or a Google Document. To see minutes from past years, please visit our CLIMBER Archives.
April 2025
February 2025
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