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.
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.
Denver-area small businesses can tap into five SBA-backed loan programs with favorable terms and longer repayment schedules.
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
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
Loan Size: Up to $50,000
Administered by: Community lenders like Grow with Google Denver or SourceLink Colorado
Best For: Startups and micro-businesses
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.
Define your funding purpose (e.g., renovation, hires)
Select a loan type (7(a), 504, Microloan, Community Advantage)
Prepare financials, tax returns, credit history
Contact SBA-approved lenders or CDFIs
Submit application and documentation
Complete underwriting and negotiate terms
Accept funds and launch your project
Local finance partners often provide community-oriented service and flexibility.
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
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
Though competitive, several local programs offer non-repayable funding:
Business Attraction Fund: grants and loans for expansion
Outdoor Dining Grants: for façade or patio upgrades
Pivot Grants: to support pandemic‑pivoted businesses
Offers site-development incentives for growing small businesses
Public–private partnerships to spur local investment
Wells Fargo Open for Business: micro-grants up to $25K
Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, First National Bank Pitch Competitions
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
Covers inventory, cash-flow gaps, payroll, or marketing
Revolving credit with flexible draws
Providers: Denver CCU, Wells Fargo, BlueVine
Quick access to cash backed by future card sales
Very high costs—consider only in emergencies
Lendio, Fundera, and Biz2Credit offer fast comparisons
Combine SBA, term loans, short-term credit from numerous lenders
Sell invoices for immediate liquidity
Useful for B2B service providers and construction subcontractors
Providers: altLINE, BlueVine
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
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 | Cons |
|---|---|
| SBA loans have low interest and long repayment terms | SBA applications and underwriting take time |
| Local banks/CUs offer community-focused support | Lines of credit may require strong credit |
| Grants provide debt-free capital | Grant deadlines are infrequent and competitive |
| Online platforms speed up comparison-shopping | MCA costs can outweigh benefits in non-urgent usage |
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
Loan eligibility support, counseling, and lender matching
Free business mentoring, SBA loan guidance, pitch prep
Financial modeling, plan review, loan prep support
Advisory services, networking, and funding events
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.