Colorado Enterprise Fund

Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is an award-winning nonprofit small business lender and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that has been founded in 1976. CEF's mission is to accelerate community prosperity by supporting small businesses and economic development in Colorado. The organization has disbursed over $315 million in capital to more than 8,400 businesses, helping to create and retain over 32,500 jobs in Colorado.

CEF offers various loan options, providing loans up to $1,000,000 to Colorado-based small businesses and startups unable to secure traditional bank financing. These flexible, low-barrier loans can be utilized for working capital, equipment, inventory, business purchase, property improvements, and more. Additionally, CEF extends its support beyond being just an SBA microlender, offering loans for business debt consolidation, gap financing, commercial real estate, and other purposes.

Furthermore, CEF provides free Business Navigation Services (coaching) to its borrowers, including assistance with business planning, marketing & sales, finance & accounting, and more. The organization has delivered over 53,000 hours of educational/coaching services to its borrowers.

In its latest investment round on April 10, 2023, CEF secured a substantial $3.72M grant investment from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Headquartered in the United States, CEF operates within the Financial Services and Insurance industries, firmly establishing its presence and impact in the small business lending space.