Starting or growing your small business? Turned down by a bank? Tired of the high-interest rates of payday or other loans?
With CEF's flexible terms & loan programs, including SBA Microloans, we'll work with you to build a loan that fits your business needs and makes your dream a reality.
- Loans from $10K up to $1M.
- Our average loan size is $51,000
- Fixed Rate, Low-Barrier, & Low-Interest Loans
- Up to 10 years
- For working capital, equipment, inventory, property improvements, business purchase, or commercial real estate.
- As a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lender, we can usually work with borrowers that have a startup business, lower credit score, tighter cash flow, or limited collateral.
Start the Loan Process
Specialized Loan Programs
Whatever your small business needs, we'll find a loan program that works for you.
Our Step by Step Process
How it Works
Step 1
Review our Let's Get Started page to determine where you are in your business journey.Step 2
Gather your documents and submit your application. Our Loan Officer and Loan Closing Specialists will work with you to ensure a seamless process.Step 3
Once approved, you'll go to your loan closing with your Loan Closing Specialist. Then, you'll receive funding!Step 4
Connect with our Business Acceleration Services team and receive one-on-one support from your business coach. This service is free of charge for all CEF customers.More Than Just a Loan:
Business Coaching and Resources to Help You Succeed
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Funding can take you so far... our business navigators can help take you further! Our team is here to help ensure your small business success. Get help with topics like:
- Business Planning
- Sales and Marketing
- Finance and Accounting
- Cashflow and Profitability
- Post-COVID Reopening and Marketing Strategy
- And More!
Learn More About Our Business Navigation Services
Reduce small business risk and support long-term success through personalized, one-on-one business coaching and training.
Free, downloadable workbooks, guides, and more for you and your small business via Initiate Prosperity. Sign up now to access the platform FREE.
Here Are The Basics
FAQs
We utilize basic lending principles when reviewing a small business loan application, but the difference is that we are more flexible than most lenders in how we apply these principles.
Qualifying factors include the ability to repay the loan, how much experience you have in the industry, collateral to secure the loan, and a good payment history with other creditors. Once your application has been submitted for underwriting, we will consider these factors and others including the business industry climate, cash flow/profitability, and equity in the business.
- Tax ID and Business Structure (i.e. Corporation, LLC)
- Current business and personal bank statement(s) from additional accounts
- Balance sheet
- Business lease (if applicable)
- Profit and loss statement
- Debt information (credit card, additional loans, etc.)
- Personal income and expense information
- If applicable, personal income and expense information for a co-borrower
The speed of the application process and getting approved depends largely on how quickly you submit your paperwork for review. Typically, it takes 3-7 business days for underwriting and, once approved, 2-3 weeks to get your closing scheduled.
Absolutely not! We have many bank and credit union partners across the state, and encourage applicants to explore loan options with them first, but applicants do not have to be rejected by a financial institution in Colorado to qualify for a loan from CEF.