Northwest Catalyst Capital

Smart Leverage Affordable, flexible lending, designed specifically for Northwest Colorado Entrepreneurs!


Northwest Colorado Innovation Center, a 501(c)(3) regional economic development organization based in Northwest Colorado, created Northwest Catalyst Capital, a microlending revolving loan fund designed by local people for local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties.

Instead of draining your savings or relying on high-interest credit cards, Northwest Catalyst Capital helps you use smart leverage with affordable, flexible debt, so you can grow your business while protecting your cash flow.

With affordable, flexible debt — instead of high-interest credit cards or predatory loans— you can:

  • Preserve your savings and cash flow

  • Stabilize your monthly cash commitments

  • Invest in growth without overextending your business

Northwest Catalyst Capital is designed to help you invest strategically, not stretch recklessly! You can purchase equipment that increases your productivity, bridge timing gaps in cash flow, invest in training, or technology that positions your business for future growth!

What is a Microlending Revolving Loan Fund? 

A microlending revolving loan fund provides smaller loans of up to $15,000 to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start up or expand to create jobs. As borrowers repay their loans, the money goes back into the fund and is loaned out again to other local businesses — so each dollar works over and over to support more local entrepreneurs and businesses. That’s why we call it “revolving” and why it’s such a powerful tool for local economic development.

Who is eligible?

Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties who are creating or retaining jobs.

What can you use the program for?

Loan funds may be used for a wide variety of business purposes: 

  • Equipment
  • Work vehicles 
  • Working capital
  • Inventory
  • Software
  • IT systems
  • Pre-construction costs
  • Training and certifications of workforce
  • Studies
  • Facility renovations or upgrades

Instead of using a high-interest, variable-rate credit card to fund these expenses, learn how applying for a low-interest, fixed-rate loan can save you money. 

Funding excludes goods or services that are illegal under federal law (e.g., marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms) and businesses focused solely on products that impact health and morale (e.g., distilleries, tobacco shops, CBD, or liquor stores). Distilleries that serve food may be eligible for partial (prorated) funding.

Loan terms

  • Loan amount: Amounts of up to $15,000
  • Interest rate: 5% fixed rate
  • Loan origination fee: 1%
  • Term: 2-4 years

Easy application process, based on character lending 

Character lending is an approach to evaluating loans that looks beyond just your credit score, assets, or collateral. Instead, we consider things like:

  • Your track record and experience

  • How you run your business

  • Your reputation in the community

  • Your plan for using the funds and repaying the loan

That means we’re not just looking at a number on a report — we’re looking at you, your business, and your commitment to making it work.

We also provide business coaching

This isn’t just about a loan. It’s about having support, business coaching, and someone to walk alongside you as you grow your business and realize your dreams. 

Through the Northwest Colorado Innovation Center and partners, businesses can access:

  • One-on-one, confidential business consulting and entrepreneurial training

  • Help refining your business plan and financial projections

  • Guidance on how to best use the loan to strengthen your business

  • Connections to other regional resources, training, and support programs

We’re here to help you apply for funding, use it wisely, and build a stronger, more resilient business.

Partnership with First Southwest Community Fund 

Northwest Catalyst Capital partnered with First Southwest Community Fund (FSWCF) as our underwriter and loan processor.  FSWCF is a nonprofit lender based in Colorado with more than a decade of experience lending and helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow. However, all loan decisions will be made by a local loan committee, made up of your neighbors, friends, and local leaders who know you and understand your business. 

For questions and to apply, contact:

info@fswcf.org or call (718) 587-4264

Learn more