Guide to Small Business Loans in Denver, CO

Denver’s business scene is booming—from craft breweries and tech startups to local retailers and professional services. With rising costs and evolving markets, access to capital is essential for entrepreneurs to start, scale, or pivot with confidence.

This guide explores the best small business loan options in Denver, CO, including SBA programs, community-based financing, local grants, and online lenders—complete with real-world examples and actionable advice.

Why Denver Businesses Need Strategic Funding

Colorado’s capital city offers diverse growth opportunities, but it also brings many financial pressures:

• Rising real estate and lease costs

• Variable cash flow due to seasonality

• Capital-intensive expansions—equipment, inventory, renovations

• Investing in technology, marketing, or staffing

• Pivoting amid shifts in tourism, outdoor recreation, or remote work trends

💸 Smart financing allows Denver businesses to capitalize on growth while maintaining flexibility and cash reserves.

1. SBA Loans for Denver Entrepreneurs

Denver-area small businesses can tap into five SBA-backed loan programs with favorable terms and longer repayment schedules.

💼 SBA 7(a) Loan

• Use: Working capital, equipment, real estate, refinance

• Loan Size: Up to $5 million

• Terms: Up to 10 years for working capital, 25 years for real estate

• Rates: Prime + 2.25–4.75%

• Best For: Growth-stage businesses needing flexible capital

🏢 SBA 504 Loan

• Use: Commercial real estate, fixed-asset purchase

• Structure: 50% bank loan + 40% CDC + 10% borrower

• Fixed rates and long terms

• Ideal: For property purchases, renovations, or equipment

🧾 SBA Microloan

• Use: Inventory, supplies, marketing, signage

• Loan Size: Up to $50,000

• Administered by: Community lenders like Grow with Google Denver or SourceLink Colorado

• Best For: Startups and micro-businesses

🧭 SBA Community Advantage

• Use: Working capital, small expansions

• Loan Size: Up to $250,000

• Delivered by: Certified CDFIs serving underserved groups

• Goal: Improve access to capital and financial inclusion

📍 Apply through the SBA Denver District Office.

7-Step SBA Loan Application Process for Denver Businesses (Featured Snippet)

1. Define your funding purpose (e.g., renovation, hires)

2. Select a loan type (7(a), 504, Microloan, Community Advantage)

3. Prepare financials, tax returns, credit history

4. Contact SBA-approved lenders or CDFIs

5. Submit application and documentation

6. Complete underwriting and negotiate terms

7. Accept funds and launch your project

2. Local Banks, Credit Unions & CDFIs

Local finance partners often provide community-oriented service and flexibility.

🏦 Credit Unions & Community Banks

• Denver Community Credit Union – Equipment loans, lines of credit, and SBA lending

• CoBiz Bank – SBA 7(a) and conventional business loans

• Ent Credit Union – Lines of credit, term and business loans

💼 CDFIs & Community Lenders

• Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) – Microloans and Community Advantage delivery

• Access Venture Partners – Provides bridge loans for creative and tech ventures

• BIPOC-owned lenders – Support minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses

3. Denver Small Business Grant Programs

Though competitive, several local programs offer non-repayable funding:

🏙️ Denver Office of Economic Development

• Business Attraction Fund: grants and loans for expansion

• Outdoor Dining Grants: for façade or patio upgrades

• Pivot Grants: to support pandemic‑pivoted businesses

🏔️ Metro Denver EDC

• Offers site-development incentives for growing small businesses

• Public–private partnerships to spur local investment

🏆 Private & Corporate Grant Programs

• Wells Fargo Open for Business: micro-grants up to $25K

• Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, First National Bank Pitch Competitions

4. Equipment & Working-Capital Financing

🛠️ Equipment Loans

• Financing for POS systems, kitchen gear, reconstruction

• Secured by the equipment asset itself

• Terms: 2–7 years with tax benefits

• Providers: Ent CU, CoBiz Bank, Balboa Capital

💳 Lines of Credit

• Covers inventory, cash-flow gaps, payroll, or marketing

• Revolving credit with flexible draws

• Providers: Denver CCU, Wells Fargo, BlueVine

5. Alternative & Fast Capital Solutions

💡 Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)

• Quick access to cash backed by future card sales

• Very high costs—consider only in emergencies

🌐 Online Lending Marketplaces

• Lendio, Fundera, and Biz2Credit offer fast comparisons

• Combine SBA, term loans, short-term credit from numerous lenders

📦 Invoice Factoring

• Sell invoices for immediate liquidity

• Useful for B2B service providers and construction subcontractors

• Providers: altLINE, BlueVine

Real Example: Growing a Brewery in RiNo

Business: Mosaic Brewing Co.
Goal: Buy a taproom space, install two fermentation tanks
Funding Mix:

• $400K SBA 7(a) loan via CoBiz

• $100K equipment loan from Denver Community Credit Union

• $20K Pivot grant for patio expansion
  Outcome:

• Second taproom launched in 8 months

• 45% increase in production capacity

• Hired 7 additional staff

External Authoritative Links

• SBA Denver District Office (opens in new tab)

• Denver Economic Development – Grants & Loans (opens in new tab)

• Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) (opens in new tab)

Pros and Cons of Denver Loan Options

6. Denver Loan Application Tips

• Check and improve your credit: Aim for 650+ score

• Maintain clean financials: 2–3 years of tax returns, P&L, balance sheets

• Prepare a clear business plan: Document your funding needs and repayment plan

• Get quotes: For equipment, property improvements, inventory

• Talk to multiple lenders: Compare interest, fees, draw schedules

• Utilize free advisors: SBA, SBDC, and SCORE can help fine-tune your loan package

7. Local Resources to Help You Grow

🧭 SBA Denver District Office

• Loan eligibility support, counseling, and lender matching

🤝 SCORE Denver

• Free business mentoring, SBA loan guidance, pitch prep

🧠 Colorado SBDC Network

• Financial modeling, plan review, loan prep support

🌟 Denver Metro Chamber

• Advisory services, networking, and funding events

Conclusion: Unlock Growth with Strategic Financing

Denver’s small-business ecosystem offers a rich mix of SBA loans, community-based financing, grants, and fast-capital solutions. By carefully aligning your project goals with the appropriate type of funding—and leveraging local resources and expert support—you can launch, grow, and thrive in Denver’s vibrant market.

Ready to fund your Denver small business?
Schedule a consultation with an SBA lender, apply for local grants, and connect with SCORE or SBDC for free prep assistance today—set your business up for confident, sustainable growth.