Whether you’re a start up looking to open your first store or an established business looking to expand, securing all the necessary financing to turn your business opportunities into reality can be a difficult task.  For businesses that locate or expand in targeted industrial or commercial business areas within the City, OED’s Small Business Lending Group offers “gap” financing to eligible start-up and/or expanding businesses. 

OED offers two gap financing programs available to businesses depending on the business location:

Denver’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program
Neighborhood Business Revitalization (NBR) loan program

The goals of the RLF and NBR programs are to create jobs in Denver’s targeted industrial and commercial business areas and stimulate the revitalization of neighborhood retail districts.  To be eligible for a loan from OED, your business must:

• Be located in either the RLF and/or NBR target area (click here to see RLF/NBR maps)
• Secure at least 50% (NBR) or 75% (RLF) of the equity and private financing needed for the project
• Submit a complete business plan to a Small Business Economic Development Specialist.

Details and requirements on the RLF and NBR loan programs are available by clicking the links below.

RLF Program
NBR Program

Our specialists can refer you to a technical resource center for further assistance if you would like assistance in preparing a RLF or NBR loan application.  Contact OED’s Small Business Lending Group for more information.

Financing Under 50k

For financing needs under $50,000, the best option may be to get in touch with a variety of local micro lenders through the Colorado Alliance for Microenterprise Initiatives (CAMI).  CAMI's location and address is listed below.

Colorado Alliance for Microenterprise Initiatives
1625 Broadway, Suite 950
Denver, CO 80202

Phone:  (303) 592-4064; Fax:  (303) 592-4061