How it all began

For more than 30 years we've been working to ensure Colorado is a great place to start and grow a business. Follow our journey from the very beginning...

'90

1990

Front Range Regional Development Corporation is established. Later the organization would be known as Colorado Lending Source.

Interesting Facts

Colorado’s population is Over 3.2 million.
The Colorado Convention Center opens in Downtown Denver.
Hubble Space Telescope Launched.

'91

1991

Colorado Lending Source receives formal approval from the Small Business Administration (SBA), becoming the newest Certified Development Company in Colorado.

Interesting Facts

The first SBA 504 loan is approved
The University of Colorado Buffaloes win the National Football Championship.

'94

1994

SBA announces the Women’s Pre-Qualification Loan Pilot Program, Colorado Lending Source is selected as one of the intermediaries.

Interesting Facts

RTD Light Rail Opens

'95

1995

Colorado Lending Source receives formal approval from the Small Business Administration (SBA), becoming the newest Certified Development Company in Colorado.

Interesting Facts

The first SBA 504 loan is approved
The University of Colorado Buffaloes win the National Football Championship.

'96

1996

Colorado Lending Source becomes a 501 c(6) non-profit organization.
For the first time, Colorado Lending Source is named the most active Certified Development Company in Colorado.

'97

1997

Colorado Lending Source officially begins working with Resource Partners and supports 19 organizations that year.
A Revolving Loan Fund is created to assist small businesses that need just a little additional financing to qualify for the SBA 501 program.

Interesting Facts

The Denver Broncos finish their season 12-4, and go on to win their first Superbowl.

'99

1999

The SBA designated Colorado Lending Source as a "Premier Lender" under its Premier Certified Lender Program, allowing the organization to expedite the SBA 504 loan approval process, as well as handle the force closure and liquidation process of loans in default.

'00

2000

Colorado Lending Source celebrates its 10th Anniversary.
Awards are presented for the first time at the Annual Meeting.
Colorado Lending Source Memberships reaches over 60 individuals, compared to the 13 when the organization formed.

Interesting Facts

Colorado's population is over 4.3 million (an increase of 31% since 1990).

'02

2002

Mike O'Donnell becomes Executive Director of Colorado Lending Source.
The organization moves into its first Downtown Denver office- the Equitable Building.
The Mission is created.

Interesting Facts

The Winter Olympics are held in Salt Lake City, UT. The USA wins 10 gold, 13 silver, and 11 bronze medals.

'03

2003

Colorado Lending Source is selected as one of nine CDC's in the country to participate in the Community Reinvestment Found's CDC partnerships pilot program.
Four CRF loans were approved in the first year.

'04

2004

SBA regulation changes, Colorado Lending Source can make loans across the entire state of Colorado.
14% of all loan approvals that year are in "new" counties.

Interesting Facts

The Sand Dunes become a National Park and Preserve.
Facebook is created.

'05

2005

Colorado Lending Source opens its second location in Glenwood Springs.
By year end, there are over 500 loans in Colorado Lending Source's portfolio, with a balance of over $200 million.
Colorado Lending Source Memberships reaches over 200 individuals.

'06

2006

The Community Reinvestment Fund introduces the New Market Tax Credit loan program.
19 NMTC loans are approved that year.

'07

2007

Colorado Lending Source finishes its most successful year historically, with over 250 loan approvals.
The Colorado Rockies make their fist appearance in the World Series, following an astounding Rocktober.

Interesting Facts

Anchutz Medical Campus opens
iPhone Generation 1 is released

'08

2008

Interesting Facts

The Great Recession officially beings.
The Democratic National Convention is held in Denver.

'09

2009

Colorado Lending Source becomes a Lender Service Provider assisting banks with the processing and submission process of SBA 7(a) loans.
Colorado Lending Source introduces webinars as a part of its education outreach.

'10

2010

The Small Business Jobs Act is signed into law, leading to the Standalone SBA 504 Refinance loan program, which allowed small businesses to refinance conventional commercial real estate debt.

Interesting Facts

Colorado's population reaches over 5 million (an increase of 17% since 2000)
The Colorado Rapids professional soccer team wins the Major League Cup.

'11

2011

Colorado Lending Source is awarded funds from the USDA as a part of its Intermediary Relending Program (IRP).
This starts the Colorado Main Street Loans Program, for small business microloans in rural, North Eastern Colorado counties.

'12

2012

The SBA selects Colorado Lending Source to receive a loan as part of its Intermediary Lending Program.
This becomes the statewide macroloan half of the Colorado Main Street Loans Program.
Colorado Lending Source's portfolio balance reaches over $500 million.

'13

2013

Colorado Lending Source introduces the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program in association with Kauffman Foundation, 8 students graduate the first year.
Memberships reaches over 300 individuals.

'14

2014

Colorado Lending Source becomes an Accredited Economic Development Organization.

'15

2015

Colorado Lending Source celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
The organization moves into its new Blake Street Building location in Lower Downtown Denver.
The Community Advantage loan program is launched to assist underserved small businesses across the state.