Check out what's happening at First Southwest Bank
04/25/2024
SBA Colorado’s Rural Lender of the Year for 2024
Recognition from the Small Business Administration highlights the bank's dedication to fostering economic growth in rural Colorado.
10/13/2023
Our green energy programs are a win-win
This program adds to our suite of green energy financing options that are friendly to people and the planet, supporting environmental initiatives such as solar and energy efficiency projects, electric vehicle purchases and now e-bike purchases.
01/31/2023
FSWB and FSWCF Employees Graduate from Inaugural Leadership Alamosa Program
Congratulations to the 16 graduates of the inaugural Leadership Alamosa program…
11/18/2024
Kent Curtis Honored
in 2024 Who's Who in Impact Investing
This recognition celebrates leaders who are making significant contributions to impact investing and driving meaningful change within their communities.
12/14/2023
Welcome Eric Guttormson, Sr. Lending Officer
Eric will be responsible for providing strategic direction for the Lending Department, while also ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
01/18/2024
FSWB Alamosa Branch installs first Tesla superchargers in San luis valley
Superchargers bring convenience to Tesla travelers in the San Luis Valley.
04/16/2025
FSWB Welcomes Back Swarvoski little as native lending specialist
Little brings his wealth of experience back to the institution in this specialized role.
11/22/2024
Celebrating 10 Years as a CDFI Bank
FSWB celebrates a milestone of a decade as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) bank.
01/23/2025
FSWB announces the appointment of Brenna Morlan as CDFI/CRA Officer
In her new role, she will focus on advancing the bank's mission to transform the economic and social landscape of rural Colorado...
01/10/2024
Fswb’s Melissa Clark and Katy Dickey Graduate from Leadership Alamosa Program
The Leadership Alamosa program cultivates and develops strong, confident, and collaborative leaders in our community.
05/25/2023
Kristy Esquibel Appointed as Chief Credit Officer, EVP
An experienced banking professional, Ms. Esquibel will be responsible for managing FSWB’s credit quality and policy, overseeing consumer and commercial underwriting, loan operations, and special assets. …
02/14/2024
New Reporting Due for Business Owners
Business owners, did you know that as of January 1, 2024, many businesses must now report information about the individuals that own or control the company?
Find out what you need to do.
02/07/2025
2025 Bankers of Distinction Award
Sherry Waner named 2025 Bankers of Distinction Award Recipient from the Colorado Bankers Association.
05/10/2023
INVEsting in Our Region’s Business Community
First Southwest Bank was proud to serve as title sponsor at the 11th Annual Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference, hosted by the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center,
08/21/2023
Fueling Entrepreneurial Spirit in Western and Rural Colorado
First Southwest Bank (FSWB) is proud to sponsor West Slope Startup Week (WSSW), August 21-25 in Durango, CO.
WSSW is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in rural Colorado.
08/28/2023
fswb's joseph garcia earns prestigious banking diploma
Joseph Garcia, Controller, Sr. Vice President of First Southwest Bank, has graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado’s state-of-the-art graduate school of banking program.
08/03/2023
Building a More Inclusive and Equitable Banking System in Colorado
First Southwest Bank (FSWB) recently participated in an important dialogue around financial inclusion in Colorado. Sherry Waner, FSWB Chief Development Officer, attended the Bank On Colorado Financial Inclusion Summit hosted by the Colorado Office of Financial Empowerment on July 25th in Denver.
08/02/2023
Celebrating and Supporting Colorado’s Agriculture Industry thru Partnerships
First Southwest Bank (FSWB) was proud to sponsor the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture (WASDA) Annual Conference, hosted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), July 23-26 in Denver, CO.
04/18/2024
FSWCF and FSWB Release 2023 Impact Report
The First Southwest Community Fund (FSWCF), in collaboration with First Southwest Bank (FSWB), announced the release of their 2023 Impact Report.
06/27/2024
If community is important to you, then choose FSWB.
First Southwest Bank is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a certification earned from the US Treasury that holds us responsible for providing access to banking and capital for all members of our communities. When you bank at a CDFI, you contribute to the revitalization and improvement of your community. Your deposits are used to provide microloans, small business loans, and other financial products designed to support economic development and entrepreneurship.
05/15/2024
axis health system, Durango
Axis is an integrated community-based healthcare organization providing a comprehensive array of services for the people of southwest Colorado.
11/13/2024
Providing Solutions for Affordable Housing
In 2022, Durango, Colorado’s Westside Mobile Home Park residents learned their park was for sale and worried they would face exorbitant rent increases or be displaced.
11/07/2024
Workforce Rental Assistance Micro-Loan Program
Helping La Plata County Renters with Upfront Housing Costs
08/21/2023
FUELING ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN WESTERN AND RURAL COLORADO
First Southwest Bank (FSWB) is proud to sponsor West Slope Startup Week (WSSW), August 21-25 in Durango, CO.
WSSW is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in rural Colorado.
11/19/2024
Impact Investing and Collaborative Capital
The positive impact we seek will be realized more quickly and with greater outcomes if we work together.
06/23/2024
Hoffman Farms, Greeley
As a third-generation farmer, Hanmei Hoffman moved to the United States and started Hoffman Farms.
06/18/2024
Fitch Ranch Real Estate Holding, LLC, Craig
After purchasing a USDA-inspected meat processing plant, Deborah Fitch finished the process for the facility to become a Certified Angus Beef Processing Plant.
06/09/2024
Schofield Homestead, Monte Vista
On their property, Kristy and Brandon offer a Homestead Days children’s camp, farm stays and tours, classes, and more.
06/02/2024
Secret Creek Group, Montrose
Secret Creek group builds yurts, tipis, and destination tents.
05/24/2024
Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center, Ignacio
Dancing Spirit is a community arts center that enhances creativity and fellowship; promotes the education, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts; and celebrates the local cultural heritage.
02/27/2025
Ignacio Housing Authority
The Town of Ignacio is addressing its workforce housing shortage with the Rock Creek housing development, which will add 10 new single-family modular homes—made possible in part by loan assistance from First Southwest Bank.
02/25/2025
Chaffee Housing Authority
Financing affordable housing is a significant challenge for rural communities, often requiring multiple sources of funding. First Southwest Bank helped Chaffee Housing Authority with a low-interest loan through the State of Colorado’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund.
innovative capital solutions
FSWB provides innovative capital solutions for employees to purchase their local Durango business.
local farms launch package company with help from fswb
FSWB walked the founders through the startup process, including acquiring and repurposing an old school building, retrofitting the space with equipment, expanding the utility capacity, and more.
Financing for a start-up franchise
SBA loan ensures local entrepreneur has the capital needed to start a successful franchise.
financing local business expansion
SBA Express loan allows local business to expand operations and hire additional staff.
making the impossible possible
FSWB steps in when securing capital seemed impossible for this SLV business.
mentorship for small business owner
FSWB works with local entrepreneur to purchase small business.
turning dreams into reality
Capital and technical assistance from FSWB turns a dream into reality for this successful Pagosa Springs business.
Funding for Success
Funding provides a very important source of capital at a crucial time in company's development.
04/18/2023
First Southwest Bank offers financial education resources through CentSai
Through articles, videos and step-by-step instructions, CentSai makes planning and managing finances easy and less intimidating.
4/2/2025
Five Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
Understand how your credit score affects your financial future, and implement strategies to improve it.
4/26/2025
How to Finance a Startup
When it comes to financing a startup, understanding the critical financial factors can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving.