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.
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.
Blog
Congratulations to our Rural Women-Led Business Fund Leading Edge Graduates
Please join us in celebrating our most recent Rural Women-Led Business Fund Leading Edge graduates. On January 8th
Celebrating 10 Years of Transformative Impact!
Since its founding in 2015 by First Southwest Bank, the First Southwest Community Fund has been on a
Reflecting on 2024 and Anticipating 2025
“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are so thankful of you and of our community for this opportunity. We are so blessed to be a part of this community.