MacKenzie Scott Donates $7 Million to Colorado Enterprise Fund

MacKenzie Scott donates $7 million to Colorado Enterprise Fund to boost small business growth across Colorado

 
DENVER (September 12, 2024) – Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is honored to announce a transformative $7 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The unrestricted gift, will further CEF's core mission of providing access to capital and coaching to small business owners that can’t obtain financing through traditional financing. It comes at a moment as the organization reaches significant milestones, including surpassing $325 million in total capital disbursed (including loans, new markets tax credits, and grants).
 
"This generous gift is a testament to the positive impact CEF has had on small businesses across Colorado," said Ceyl Prinster, CEF President and CEO. "With this funding, we are further enabled to advance our mission of accelerating community prosperity by financing and supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
 
The $7 million donation from MacKenzie Scott is unrestricted, providing CEF with the flexibility to determine the best use of funds to make the most meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
 
It also comes at the tail end of CEF’s fiscal year on September 30 and right after CEF’s Small Business Success Summit, which brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders to share insights, provide education, and network with business experts and peers.
 
"This year has been one of tremendous growth and success for CEF and the communities we serve," said Nim Patel, CEF Chief Operating Officer. "MacKenzie Scott's donation is a powerful affirmation of the work we do every day to support small businesses across Colorado. We are deeply grateful for this financial support and honored that our impact is being noticed.”  
 
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 About Colorado Enterprise Fund 
Founded in 1976, Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) provides free coaching services and loans up to $1M to finance small businesses and startups unable to obtain funding through traditional means. CEF has disbursed more than $325 million in capital to over 8,400 businesses. A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CEF is based in Denver with lending services available statewide. CEF makes a positive impact on Colorado’s economy by accelerating community prosperity through its financing and support of entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. For more information, visit: www.coloradoenterprisefund.org.

Media Contact: Gail Bransteitter, Barefoot PR
gail@barefootpr.com | 303-859-3540