Home2024-04-29T13:43:46+00:00

Investing in
people, culture
& ideas.

Thriving Rural Communities

First Southwest Community Fund provides inclusive and equitable access to capital through a range of innovative programs for rural Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners–ensuring these businesses have access to the capital they need to grow and enrich their communities. If you are looking to start or scale your small business or non-profit, take a look at our programs and see how we can help.

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Loans

We provide affordable, low-cost loans – a great way to start or scale your business or non-profit without giving up ownership.

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Grants

We provide grants for training and technical assistance for rural entrepreneurs and small business owners.

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Education

We provide events, webinars and workshops to educate our community members on business topics and opportunities.

NEED A SMALL BUSINESS EQUIPMENT LOAN?

Apply today for a $150,000-$500,000 loan for working capital at 3.9% interest rate.

The Innovate Onwards Fund will provide flexible working capital up to $500,000 to existing and new businesses across rural Colorado to build back our rural economies. The Innovate Onwards Fund is supported by ZOMA Foundation and the CLIMBER Fund.

Mark Your Calendar

Save the date for upcoming education programs, including workshops and webinars.

In 2023, we invested $5.6 million in businesses across Colorado through grants and loans.

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I can’t tell you what this means to us at this time. We’ve always been committed to our community and I totally intend on keeping my help and business intact. Your contribution to helping small business stay afloat is crucial and admirable.
Kris Gosar, Gosar Natural Foods
We are so thankful of you and of our community for this opportunity. We are so blessed to be a part of this community.
Owner, Mee Hmong Cuisine
I would like to say that First Southwest Community Fund impresses me more and more. Your team is really making an impact in the communities that you serve.
Owner, KWUF Radio
I was using credit cards to get my gallery started. It was a big relief to receive a low interest, start-up loan from First Southwest Community Fund. They listened to my goals and challenges. I can breathe again and move forward.
Jodi Jahrling, ZU Gallery

We were not eligible for any of the larger loans. The micro-grant let us put a little money in the pockets of our staff that month.

Kira Gosney, Momentum Fitness
Because of this grant money, we were able to purchase inventory we would not have been able to afford due to weak late winter revenue. These products are of interest to locals looking to find their adventure outside during these trying times.
Co-Owner, Pagosa Mountain Sports
Overnight our entire business model changed to serving folks at home with home deliveries. The micro-grant helped us navigate these new waters and figure out our place in this new food system.
General Manager, Valley Roots Food Hub
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