BUSINESS FINANCING · CO

Small Business Financing Guide for Eagle County, Colorado

Eagle County, Colorado is home to a diverse economy that spans mountain tourism, construction, real estate, hospitality, and a growing Latino workforce of solo contractors and small business owners. This guide walks you through the most realistic financing paths available locally — from credit unions and CDFIs to SBA-backed lenders and ITIN-friendly programs. Origen Capital is a directory, not a lender; we help you find the right local door to knock on. Take your time, compare your options, and never feel pressured to sign anything quickly.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Small Business Financing?

Small business financing is money you borrow or receive to start, grow, or stabilize a business. It can come as a traditional loan (you borrow and repay with interest), a line of credit (a flexible pool you draw from as needed), a microloan (a smaller loan, often under $50,000, with more flexible qualification), or a grant (money you do not repay). In Eagle County, the most common needs we see are startup capital for new contractors and service businesses, equipment financing, working capital to cover slow seasons (important in a resort economy), and real estate acquisition for small investors. Understanding which type of financing fits your situation is the first step — and the right local partner can help you figure that out before you ever fill out an application.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies? Local Economic Context for Eagle County

Eagle County's economy is centered on the Vail Valley resort corridor — Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards, and Eagle. This creates a specific financing landscape worth understanding: **Seasonal income is common and expected.** Lenders familiar with the region know that contractors, hospitality workers, and service providers often have strong summer and winter revenue with slower shoulder seasons. Local lenders are more likely to underwrite seasonal cash flow than out-of-state online lenders. **Construction and the trades are strong.** Eagle County has consistent residential and commercial construction activity. Solo contractors and small general contractors often qualify for equipment loans, business lines of credit, or SBA microloans even with a relatively short business history. **ITIN holders and immigrants are part of the workforce.** A significant portion of Eagle County's workforce — particularly in hospitality, landscaping, cleaning, and construction — are Latino immigrants, some of whom do not have a Social Security Number. ITIN-based financing exists. You do not need a Social Security Number to access all business financing (see Section 4). **Credit scores matter, but are not the only factor.** Many local CDFIs and credit unions look at your business cash flow, your character, and your community ties — not just a number. If your credit is thin or imperfect, you still have options locally.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You Will Typically Need

Every lender is different, but here is a realistic list of what most local lenders and CDFIs in Eagle County will ask for. Gathering these before you apply saves time and shows lenders you are organized. **For most small business loans or microloans:** - Government-issued ID (passport, consular ID/matrícula consular, or driver's license) - ITIN or Social Security Number (ITIN is accepted by many local lenders) - 2–3 years of personal tax returns (or 1 year if you are newer in business) - 2–3 years of business tax returns, if applicable - 3–6 months of personal and business bank statements - A simple business plan or description of what the money is for - Proof of business registration (Colorado Secretary of State filing) - Any licenses required in Eagle County (contractor license, business license from your municipality) **For equipment financing:** - Quote or invoice for the equipment - Business bank statements - Proof of income **For SBA-backed loans:** - All of the above, plus a completed SBA borrower information form - Collateral information if your loan is above $25,000 **Tip:** If you are self-employed or work as a sole proprietor, your personal and business finances may be intertwined — that is okay. Bring what you have and let the lender guide you on what else is needed. Never pay someone just to help you gather documents.

§ 04 — Where to start in Eagle County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, Credit Unions, and ITIN-Friendly Resources That Serve Eagle County

This is the most important section. These are real organizations with a physical or program presence serving Eagle County businesses. --- **Prestamos CDFI** Prestamos is one of the most important resources for Latino entrepreneurs in Colorado. They offer microloans (typically $1,000–$100,000), business technical assistance in both English and Spanish, and explicitly serve ITIN holders. They operate throughout Colorado, including Eagle County, and understand seasonal and immigrant-owned businesses well. Website: prestamosloans.org --- **Elevations Credit Union** Elevations is a Colorado-based credit union with a strong small business lending program. They offer business checking, lines of credit, and term loans. Credit unions generally offer more flexible underwriting than large national banks, and Elevations has experience with Colorado's mountain communities. Website: elevationscu.com --- **Alpine Bank** Alpine Bank is a locally owned Colorado community bank headquartered in Glenwood Springs with branches throughout the Roaring Fork and Eagle Valley. They are deeply embedded in mountain-community economies and have SBA-preferred lender status, meaning they can process SBA loans faster than many larger institutions. For Eagle County small businesses, Alpine Bank should be one of your first conversations. Website: alpinebank.com --- **Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF)** CEF is a statewide CDFI that makes loans from $1,000 to $1,000,000 for Colorado small businesses that cannot qualify at traditional banks. They specialize in businesses that are too small or too new for conventional lending, and they provide hands-on coaching alongside financing. They serve Eagle County businesses. Website: coloradoenterprisefund.org --- **SBA Colorado District Office (Denver)** The U.S. Small Business Administration's Colorado District Office oversees SBA loan programs statewide, including Eagle County. They do not lend directly — they guarantee loans made by approved local lenders like Alpine Bank. Their most useful programs for Eagle County businesses: - **SBA 7(a) loans:** General-purpose business loans up to $5 million - **SBA Microloans:** Loans up to $50,000, often delivered through CDFIs like Prestamos - **SBA 504 loans:** For real estate and large equipment purchases The Colorado District Office also connects small businesses with free mentoring through SCORE and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Website: sba.gov/co --- **Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — Vail Valley / Eagle County** The SBDC network provides free one-on-one business advising and help with loan applications. The nearest SBDC serving Eagle County is affiliated with Colorado Mountain College and covers the Vail Valley. They can help you prepare a business plan, understand your financing options, and connect you to local lenders — all at no cost. Contact through: coloradosbdc.org --- **Ent Credit Union** Ent is a large Colorado credit union with a strong small business division. They offer SBA loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. While their main branches are on the Front Range, they serve Eagle County businesses remotely and have Colorado-specific expertise. Website: ent.com --- **ITIN-Specific Note:** If you do not have a Social Security Number, Prestamos CDFI and Colorado Enterprise Fund are your strongest starting points. Some credit unions in Colorado also accept ITIN for business accounts and certain loan products — ask directly and do not assume the answer is no. An ITIN shows you file taxes in the U.S., which is a positive signal to responsible lenders.

§ 05 — What to avoid

Colorado State-Specific Regulatory Notes

Understanding Colorado's rules helps you navigate financing and avoid surprises. **Colorado usury and lending laws:** Colorado has consumer lending rate caps under the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC), but many commercial loans are exempt. This means some business loan rates can be high — always ask for the APR in writing before signing. **Colorado business registration:** You must register your business with the Colorado Secretary of State before most lenders will process your application. Registration is straightforward and costs $50 for an LLC. Visit sos.state.co.us. Operating as a sole proprietor under your own name does not require registration, but an LLC protects your personal assets. **Eagle County contractor licensing:** If you perform construction work in Eagle County, you may need a license from Eagle County or from individual municipalities (Vail, Avon, etc.). Some lenders will ask for proof of licensing before approving contractor business loans. Check with Eagle County's Community Development office. **Colorado's SB 21-190 (commercial lending disclosures):** Colorado now requires certain commercial lenders to disclose the total cost of a loan, including APR equivalents, before you sign. If a lender refuses to show you this, walk away. **State grant programs:** The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) periodically offers small business grants and incentive programs. These change frequently; check oedit.colorado.gov for current opportunities. **Eagle County Economic Development:** Eagle County's own Economic Development department occasionally connects businesses with local micro-grant programs and workforce funding. It is worth a call to ask what is currently available: eaglecounty.us

§ 06 — Ask a question

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§ 07 — Part of The Legacy Bridge Network

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