ImpactReport2023

Our Vision

At Energize Colorado, we envision a future where we are the go-to destination for business owners seeking comprehensive technical assistance and capital solutions. Our commitment is to help close the capital gap in Colorado, positioning ourselves as industry leaders in small business innovation. We aspire to cultivate the most resilient businesses in the state, charting a path toward lasting economic resiliency and sustainability.

Million Dollars Deployed

Counties Across Colorado

160

Small Businesses Supported

FundingDemographics

Our primary focus is on four main priority groups: businesses that are considered unbankable and are in need of impactful capital, resources, and advising in order to scale their business.

Rural

Veteran

BIPOC

Women

SBRI

We assess small businesses' resiliency based on multiple factors, including hope, trust, and belonging, along with others. Through our Energize Community Accelerator, we help entrepreneurs enhance their understanding and skills in these areas. We’re excited to see year-over-year improvements in resiliency. This year, entrepreneurs achieved an average rating of 140 out of 190, excelling in hope and operational stability. With room for growth and development in trust in state government.

Small Businesses Employ

1,200,000

Small businesses account for an impressive 99.5% of all businesses in Colorado, providing employment opportunities for over a million individuals.

Our Impact Stretches Across

28 Counties

Bonnie Watson CEO

“As a financial institution in Colorado, we take our responsibility to business owners seriously. We understand that funding is just one aspect, which is why we go above and beyond to secure our clients. Our goal is to not only advocate for them but also work directly to ensure growth. In 2024, we're excited to expand our efforts further.”

Wendy Lea Cofounder/ Chair of the Board

“Over the past four years, our collaborative journey with partners has allowed us to understand their strengths and identify gaps in our small business ecosystem and where Energize Colorado can add distinct value.

A significant focus for EC has been on improving the overall resilience of Colorado's entrepreneurs – evaluating their preparedness to navigate economic challenges and ensuring their capacity to not just survive, but to thrive as resilient business owners. Our ongoing commitment is reflected in the invaluable insights gleaned from the Small Business Resiliency Index (SBRI), an instrument we developed to understand the impact of capital and education on entrepreneurs' resilience.”

Alan HimelfarbStarting Hearts

Introducing Starting Hearts, a Vail-based nonprofit organization led by Alan Himelfarb. They provide crucial CPR education and have recently received a loan as part of our Energize Community Program.

Starting Hearts is just one example of the countless rural-owned businesses that we have supported, all of which are doing remarkable things and making a positive impact.

Looking Towards 2024

We are committed to scaling up our efforts for the upcoming year. Our aim is to elevate the scope of impactful capital deployment to reach a target of $16 million dollars. Or 300 small businesses across Colorado.

2022

100

$4 million

2023

160

$10 million

Meet Our Team

Scott Romano

Chief Operating Officer

Eva Padilla

Capital Access Manager

Erik Hibbard

Marketing Director

Heather Waits

Loan Officer

Thank You ForYour Support

As we conclude this year, we take a moment to reflect on the progress and growth that have been achieved. It has been a tremendous year filled with forging new working relationships with business owners and partners while simultaneously strengthening existing connections. For small business owners, the landscape is ever-changing, presenting challenges like advancements in technology and an unpredictable economic climate. However, at our organization, our goal remains to be a trusted source of funding and advising for small business owners across the state. We are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, consistently providing support to small business owners as they navigate the complexities of today's ever-evolving business landscape.

Special ThanksTo Our Partners

Pinnacol Assurance / Anschutz Foundation / Kevin Klau / Gary Community Investments / Telluray Foundation / Richardsons Anchor Point Foundation / Larissa Herda / Jack Pottle / Kimball Musk /Community Foundation Boulder County / Wendy’s Donor Advised Fund / AMG National Trust / Sue and Scott Drake / Colorado Trust / United Airlines / Frederico and Cindy Pena / First Western Trust

@energizecolo @energizecolo Energize Colorado @energizecolo

connect@energizecolorado.com