First Southwest Bank • October 21, 2022
In partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, First Southwest Bank will offer financially-inclusive lending to sustain Colorado agricultural businesses across the state.
First Southwest Bank (FSWB), a locally-owned, independent community bank, and one of two Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks in Colorado, is pleased to announce its selection as an official lending partner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program. This financially-inclusive lending program offers financing to farmers and ranchers, and agriculturally-supportive businesses that transform, package, process, store or grade Colorado farm or ranch products.
“We strive to provide opportunities for equal access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural Colorado. This partnership builds on our 100-year history supporting the agricultural industry and is one more way for us to do that,” said Kent Curtis, President and CEO of First Southwest Bank. “Our goal is to make it easy for farmers and ranchers to qualify and receive low-interest, fixed-rate loans to launch or expand their ag business with the goal of sustaining Colorado’s agricultural industry for generations,” said Curtis.
Providing financing to beginning farmers and new operations that stimulate the farm-to-market infrastructure ensures a secure farming future. Loan funds can be used for most business purposes, including, but not limited to: operating expenses, the purchase of land and equipment, business improvements, worker wages, and conservation projects. Click here for examples of how loan funds might be used.
“This opportunity to provide affordable and accessible loans for people who have been excluded from traditional financing presents a historic opportunity for CDA to better serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “Through this financially-inclusive lending program, we hope to set up new or beginning ag business owners for success, by providing resources and technical assistance to those who have the skills, training, and vision to succeed, but simply lack funding.”
Loan Details:
- 4% fixed interest rate (Annual Percentage Rate 4.17%)
- Term notes of 1-20 years
- 1.5% loan fee
- Revolving lines of credit up to 5 years
- Up to $750,000 (higher limits may be considered with prior approval)
For more information, and to apply, click here.
Spanish speakers, please email or call Denise Martinez at 719.245.1781.
para Español haga clic aquí