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 workshops and webinars, application deadlines for loans and grants, and other First Southwest Community Fund milestones.
In 2021 we invested $6 million in businesses across Colorado through grants and loans.
Stories
Rural Solutions with Dee Espinoza
Dee Espinoza is founder, CEO, and Principal Investigator for Espinoza Cultural Services (ECS). ECS is a small-, woman-,
First Southwest Bank named lending partner for Inaugural Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program
As Executive Director of First Southwest Community Fund, I’m happy to announce a new partnership that will build
Azarel Madrigal named Adams State 2022 Exceptional New Alumna
Azarel Madrigal has been named the Adams State 2022 Exceptional New Alumna. She will receive her award during
We are so grateful during this uncertain time to receive support, and we are so thankful to have a bank in our community looking out for small businesses and nonprofits like us.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.