Colorado Microloans

Colorado Microloans range from $5,000 to $50,000 to help start-ups and entrepreneurial small businesses that are underserved by traditional debt markets. Preference is given to businesses in rural areas. These small, character-based loans have terms up to eight years. The maximum interest rate is the prime rate plus 2%.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC) created this program. Our Business Funding and Incentives division funds and administers it, and three nonprofit lenders make the loans.

Overview

Type: Loan

For: Startups and small businesses

Amount: $5,000 to $50,000 per business

Application deadline: Rolling

OEDIT division: Business Funding and Incentives

Eligibility

The borrower needs to:

have no more than 15 employees at the time the loan is made
be a for-profit entity in Colorado with a majority of employees working in Colorado
have a substantial possibility to become a viable business with the potential to create good jobs
be documented by the lender as an “underserved small business”
meet the lender’s underwriting standards

How to apply

Businesses may contact one of three lenders to apply for a Colorado Microloan. Depending on your business's location, you should apply to a specific lender. Urban and front range businesses should reach out to Colorado Lending Source. Rural and non-front range businesses should reach out to Region 9 and First Southwest Community Fund.