We want to learn about you!
CEF has funded 9,500+ small businesses in Colorado
See if you are ready to apply for financing to start or grow your business
Apply NowWhat STAGE is my business at?
Early Stages - Developing Business Concept
- Developing idea for a business
- No business plan or projections
- Need to calculate start-up costs
- Need to do market research regarding market size & demographics
- Have not registered a business
- No established sales methods
- Lack of potential vendors
- Unclear path for production processes
Need Some Help Before Applying for Loan
- Concept researched and planned, but seeking feedback
- Business plan started, needs review
- Financial plan underway; needs clearer structure
- Have a business model—seeking insight into what works for others
- Would like to speak to a business expert to determine if you are "loan ready"
Ready to Apply
- Have all the documents listed above ready to upload in the application.
- CEF will run a hard credit report. This means it could affect your credit rating.
- Ready to pay a non-refundable $25 application fee.
- You do not have to complete the application in one session. You can save and come back to finish later.
Stages of the Journey
Eligibility:
- Colorado-based company
- Must be 18 years or older.
- CEF will NOT provide loans for certain types of businesses such as marijuana, e-cigarettes, gambling, adult entertainment, pyramid, or illegal activities. CEF does NOT provide loans for residential real estate.
- Must have 10% of loan amount in your bank account at time of closing.
- Loans over $75K may require a pledge of your home as collateral if you are a homeowner.
- We will review your application and let you know if additional information is needed to determine eligibility.
Documents to Apply - Startup
- Business Plan (including financial projections & startup budget)
- Cash Projection
- Business Insurance showing content coverage(if applicable)
- EIN# Letter
- Lease Agreement or Letter of Intent (if applicable)
- Proof of personal investment
- Bank Statements (personal, 3 months)
- Driver License/State Issued ID & Citizenship/Residency docs
- Personal Financial Statement
- Proof of Income (paystub or draw ledger)
- Personal Tax Returns (2 years)
- Debt Service Worksheet
- Statement of Ownership
Further documentation may be required depending on collateral, size of loan, and quality of the documents provided.
Documents to Apply - Existing Businesses
- Bank statements ( personal & business) 3 months
- Cash Projection
- Balance Sheet (existing business)
- Business Insurance Showing Coverage (if applicable)
- Lease Agreement (if applicable)
- Profit & Loss
- Tax Returns (personal & business) 2 yrs
- Driver License/State Issued ID & Citzenship/Residency docs
- Personal Financial Statement
- Proof of Income (paystub or draw ledger)
- Debt Service Worksheet
- Statement of Ownership
Further documentation may be required depending on collateral, size of loan, and quality of the documents provided.
