The Rural Women-Led Business Fund is designed to give access to funding and education for women entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural Colorado through loans, education, and technical assistance. The Rural Women-Led Business Fund offers loans of $10,000-$75,000 and focuses on providing accessible capital to women, especially women of color in rural Colorado (see below for specific regions).

This program is dedicated to supporting multicultural, multilingual, and multigenerational women-led businesses. We encourage and welcome all women within the Southwest, Southeast, or the San Luis Valley to apply. Our definition of “women” is fully inclusive to all who identify as female or nonbinary.

Who is eligible?

• Business type: Small businesses, start-ups, and nonprofits are all eligible to apply for funding.
• Demographics: Business must be 51%+ women-owned. If the entity is a nonprofit, 51% of leadership must be women.
• Location: Business must be located in the Southwest, Southeast, or the San Luis Valley. Some exceptions will be made to high priority businesses in other parts of rural Colorado.
• Workshops: Must attend three of the four FREE virtual workshops. For details about the Fall Workshop Series and to register, click here. You can also register under Events on our Facebook page.

Loan terms:

The Rural Women-Led Business Fund offers three levels of funding:

• Loans $10,000 or below
  • 1% interest rate
  • 5-year term
  • 3-month payment deferral
• Loans $10,000- $35,000
  • 2.5% interest rate
  • 5-year term
  • 3-month payment deferral
• Loans $35,000-$75,000
  • 3% interest rate
  • 10-year term
  • 3-month payment deferral

Application process:

1. Fill out our short inquiry form.
2. We will contact you to schedule a conversation about your needs.
3. You’ll then fill out the full loan application. This will include an application form, along with supporting documents such as:
   • Application from proposed borrower
   • Personal Financial Statement – for anyone with 25% or more ownership with verification of assets (proof of cash deposits or investments)
   • Management Resume Form
   • Rural Women-Led Business Fund Demographic
   • Participate in an experience interview with FSWCF Executive Director. Executive Director will provide a form to confirm participation.

If you need assistance with any of the supporting documents we will connect you to our partner, SLV SBDC to help you prepare these documents.

Education:

The Rural Women-Led Business Fund offers educational opportunities for new, existing and growing entrepreneurs! Check back regularly to see upcoming events and programs including:

• Monthly Education and Inspiration Chats
• High School Programs
• Accelerators/Bootcamps
• Mentorship

For any questions regarding the Rural Women-Led Fund, please contact us, we are happy to answer questions in English or Spanish!

The Rural Women-Led Business Fund is supported by The Colorado Health Foundation and The Colorado Trust.