About this programme
Each year, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives Colorado money through the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for community and economic growth. One-third of that money is set aside for Economic Development and used to support the state's regional Business Loan Funds.
That money is distributed across 12 Regional Business Loan Funds focused on job creation and retention in rural Colorado. Each fund is run locally, with its own Business Loan Fund Manager, a local loan review committee, and a local board of directors.
How it works
There are two loan types. A standard Business Loan requires the business to create or retain one job for every $35,000 received in CDBG loan funds, and at least 51% of those created or retained jobs must go to low-to-moderate income individuals.
A Microenterprise Loan, available up to $100,000, is for businesses with five or fewer employees including ownership, where all owners qualify as low-to-moderate income persons.
All loans are made at the discretion of the regional Business Loan Fund Manager for that area, not by OEDIT directly.
Who can apply
The business must be a for-profit business located within one of the 12 rural regional loan fund areas.
The following counties are NOT eligible: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, El Paso, Jefferson, and Weld. The following cities are also NOT eligible: Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, Denver, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, Lakewood, Longmont, Loveland, Pueblo, Thornton, and Westminster.
For a Microenterprise Loan specifically: the business must have five or fewer employees including ownership, and every owner must qualify as a low-to-moderate income person.
How to apply
- Identify which of the 12 Regional Business Loan Funds covers your area.
- Contact the Business Loan Fund Manager for that region directly to inquire and start an application.
Frequently asked
Is my business in an eligible area?
It depends on your county and city. Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, El Paso, Jefferson and Weld counties are excluded, as are Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins and several other named cities. The program targets rural Colorado.
How does the standard Business Loan job requirement work?
The business must create or retain one job for every $35,000 it receives, and at least 51% of those jobs must go to low-to-moderate income individuals.
What is a Microenterprise Loan?
A loan of up to $100,000 for a business with five or fewer employees, including ownership, where all owners qualify as low-to-moderate income.
Who decides whether my loan is approved?
The regional Business Loan Fund Manager and the local loan review committee for your area, not OEDIT centrally.
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All 10 programmes in Colorado →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.