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Business Loan Fund

The BLF is a loan fund whose capital base is replenished by repayment of principal and interest from past loans. Its initial funding came from private and government grants. Operating as a program of the Western Colorado Business Development Corporation or "The Business Incubator Center," (BIC) the BLF was created to enable businesses to grow, create jobs, and improve the local economy.

Since its inception in 1986, the BLF has loaned more than $13 million to over 250 Mesa County businesses. Ninety-five percent of these businesses have succeeded, adding jobs and additional tax dollars to the local economy. The BLF recycles dollars, lending them back to other businesses in the community for the benefit of all.

For start-up businesses or companies needing capital to expand, the BLF can help when other choices aren't available. The BLF provides an additional source of funds when others have been exhausted and can even increase private lender interest by reducing the exposure of a private lender. The BLF will consider loan requests from applicants who have been denied financing from other lenders and will finance requests for working capital.

This loan option includes more than financing alone. Our program was designed to help you obtain funding as well as develop important management tools to improve the chances for success in your business venture. The staff at BIC is here to help you through the application process, so please feel free to ask for assistance as you need it. Following is the process involved in requesting a loan through the BLF.

Start here

Review the “BLF Highlights” below that summarize the unique aspects of this lending program, then complete the Business Loan Application and provide the following documents:

• Business Plan
• Historical financial statements of the business (3 years)
• Historical tax returns of the business (3 years)
• Personal financial statements for all primary investors
• Cost of living budget
• Personal tax returns for all primary investors (3 years)
• Cash Flow projections (3 years)
• Schedules of collateral
• Employment plan
• * Additional information such as appraisals, buy-sell agreements, franchise agreements, construction budgets, leases, contracts, etc. may be required depending on the specific type of loan you are requesting.

The BLF Loan Committee will then review your complete loan package. You can normally expect a decision from the BLF Loan Committee within four weeks after a complete loan package is submitted. If you would like to have your loan package reviewed by a business consultant before you submit it, please call 243-5242.

BUSINESS Loan Fund
“Filling the Financial Gap”

Q: What is a financial gap?
A: You need $100,000 to complete a business start-up/expansion and can only secure $80,000 through various sources. You have a “financial gap” of $20,000.

BLF Highlights

Eligible Businesses: Most for profit businesses located in Mesa County are eligible for BLF loans. Preference is given to those businesses that will create new jobs or retain existing jobs.

Leveraging: The BLF is a “secondary” lender in most cases. Typically, potential borrowers will obtain 60-80% of their project financing from other sources. The BLF may assist in securing outside financing prior to applying for BLF funds.

Loan Amount: Loans range in size from $8,000 to $500,000. Also available are loans ranging from $1,500 to $5000 for low-income persons interested in business start-up.

Terms: Typical terms extend 3 – 7 years. Interest rates vary from prime to prime plus four percent depending on risk and economic incentives. The BLF will seek to secure the loan with available collateral.

Equity Position: A 20% or greater owner equity position is normally required to be eligible for BLF funding.

Uses of BLF Loan Proceeds:

• Equipment purchases
• Working capital
• Building improvements
• Inventory
• Real estate

Click here to begin the application.

The Business Loan Fund is accessible to the handicapped. With advance request TDD is available. Please call 970.243.4252 or send an e-mail to hroe@gjincubator.org