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Who We Are

The ideal Northwest Loan Fund (NLF) client is a new or growing business within our service area that is creating jobs or providing positive economic impact for the local economy. The categories for which the NLF makes loans include:

  • Acquisition of an existing business
  • Business expansion
  • Start-up costs for a new or expanding business
  • Purchase of business-occupied real estate
  • Purchase of equipment, furniture and fixtures
  • Inventory and working capital

The program does require collateral, though it can often participate with other lenders to take a collateral position behind those lenders. Size and term will vary. Most loans have ranged from $10,000 to $500,000. With fees at 2-3% and favorable interest rates, NLF loans are very competitive. The NLF is often able to take greater risks than conventional banks because the program exists to help with local economic development, so it is able to welcome new and expanding businesses that may not yet qualify for traditional bank financing for various reasons. The NLF often partners with banks or private lenders to fill a gap that may exist between a the needs of a business and the traditional financing for which they currently qualify.

Click to view a larger image of our service areas.
Northwest Loan Fund Client Profiles 2013-2022

Client Profile

Pearl Dragon Restaurant

GRANBY – Sisters purchase restaurant building and need additional equipment to accommodate larger space – NLF loan fills the gap.
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Client Profile

Aspen Public House

According to Johnson, “When the SBA loans were just at the beginning of their discussions, the NLF was able to act swiftly, supplying necessary emergency funding to cover short-term liabilities like rent and payroll – enabling us to keep our staff and give us operating capital. The NLF loan enabled us to stay in business during those critical months before PPP (the Payroll Protection Program) became available.”  

Client Profile

Camber Brewing

Nick is proud of the fact that he worked to raise money and build out the business pretty much on his own – with a little help from friends and family – for which he is super grateful. But at one point he realized he needed additional funding for equipment. He was introduced to the NLF and received the loan that helped him open his doors.  

Client Profile

BAR-U-EAT

When asked why the NLF loan was important to the business, Sam answered, “Equipment – we needed equipment before we could have the conversation with investors – the loan from NLF helped us clear the biggest hurdle..."

Client Profile

Antedotum

Karina and her husband and business partner, Christopher, found the NLF through the State of Colorado OEDIT newsletter. When they connected with Anita, they knew they’d met a kindred spirit. The NLF helped with multiple loans for working capital, staffing, inventory, and business growth. The NLF has also provided financing to assist with the acquisition of Antedotum’s headquarters, in Snowmass Village, CO.  

Client Profile

Eagle Climbing + Fitness

NLF funds enabled Eagle Climbing + Fitness to equip and staff a world-class facility without high interest loans or unreasonable loan covenants. Funds were used for equipment such as climbing walls, hand holds, padded flooring, harnesses and ropes. NLF is proud to be the public lender for this project…THE world-class climbing gym and fitness facility between Golden and Grand Junction.
Anita Cameron

Anita Cameron

Director - Business Lending
Anita Cameron, Director of Business Lending for the Northwest Loan Fund, grew up in a rural town of 100. An Entrepreneur Father had her sights set on Business Banking from an early age. With a Graduate Degree in Bank Management, she held Senior positions for years in Denver banks then...
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Impact Metrics

85

loans closed

8.6m

total value of loans

278

jobs created

9

counties served

19700

sq. miles covered

176800

people served

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