Energize Colorado

We are entering a new chapter in our evolution as a CDFI in Colorado! After nearly two and a half years leading Energize Colorado, Bonnie Watson is stepping down as our CEO. During her tenure, we deployed over $9 million in loan capital, received our CDFI certification, and launched the PEAK Program. Our entire Energize Colorado team and board are grateful for her service in support of small businesses!

We’re excited to welcome Scott Romano as our new CEO. Having served with Energize Colorado for the past six years, he brings a deep commitment to the organization's mission and is dedicated to scaling its impact across the entire state.

"This year, I’m profoundly grateful for Energize Colorado. You funded us and provided access to capital when no one else would lend to a brand-new business led by a woman of color. Your belief in us allowed Corazón Printing to truly enter the printing industry, grow from scratch, and build something powerful for our community. You have genuinely changed the game for our business." - Corazon Printing

"We have been blessed with amazing support from our community since inception as a local Bakery and Cafe. We are so thankful that we received so much help from our local "angels," who provided resources and enthusiasm as we started Paonia Bread Works. The same feeling of gratitude has carried on as we worked with Energize Colorado to help fund our recent improvements and business evolution." - Paonia Bread Works

"This year we’re incredibly grateful for the support that allowed us to bring the Coffee Cowboy General Store to life. Energize Colorado believed in our vision to create a brick & mortar during a really pivotal moment, and they gave us the funds to not only help us open our doors, but to build a space that serves our community every single day." - The Coffee Cowboy

Sew what if you need a little extra cash? A low-interest loan can help you stitch together the perfect inventory for the season. Visit our website to learn more about our low interest lending to support your retail business 🧵👗

Investing in your business's physical assets is an investment in its future. Capital improvements, like upgrading your equipment or renovating your facility, can transform your operations and drive significant growth.

These upgrades can boost efficiency, improve your product or service quality, and create a more attractive environment for your customers and employees. By enhancing your physical infrastructure, you're not just making a purchase; you're building a stronger foundation for long-term success.

At Energize Colorado, we support your vision for expansion. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you fund your next big step.

We’re thrilled to announce our PEAK cohort for this month’s kickoff event in Grand Junction! We’ve brought together some of the West Slope’s best and brightest to collaborate, learn, and grow. Swipe to see some new and familiar faces as we gear up for workshops and insights designed to help businesses scale!

A big thank you to Huntington Bank for their generous $20,000 grant! At Energize Colorado, we’re committed to supporting small businesses by ensuring they have the resources they need to grow and thrive. One way we do this is through our Small Business Success survey and development of the Energize Resilience Score, a measure of small business owner resilience in areas like wellbeing, health, and finances. Our research continues to advance our understanding and guides our support and the growth of small businesses in Colorado. This grant allows us to continue this critical work, helping businesses and communities make informed choices for a stronger future.

Did you hear? Small businesses are the heart of our communities, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering local connections. As a CDFI, we’re dedicated to empowering these businesses with the resources, support, and funding they need to succeed. Our top priority is helping small businesses thrive and continue making a lasting impact across our state.

We’re taking the Wells Fargo Stagecoach around the state to support our PEAK Program! Helping small businesses, like our friends at Rebel Bread, across the state turn their first $100k into $1M in revenue. Our first program launches in just a few weeks in Grand Junction, and we just can’t wait to share the incredible entrepreneurs we’re working with.

Thank you to Wells Fargo and their team, Kelly Littrell and Tyler Smith, for the incredible support, this $100,000 grant provides the necessary funding four new cohorts from Grand Junction out to Boulder, and Fort Collins.