As true fans of small business, B:Side Fund is here to provide Colorado entrepreneurs with small business support, resources, referrals, and funding with direct lending options. Find resources for every aspect of your business.

 

Meet Your Colorado Client Relations Officer

PAUL STAN

I am a growth-focused professional with relationship management acumen and exposure to business development, marketing, SBA lending, and mentorship. I'm happiest when I'm engaging and strategizing about supporting each other toward fulfilling our common goal of connecting small businesses to affordable and responsible capital. Father, husband and soccer fanatic, I enjoy all the fun Colorado has to offer, from outdoor activities to brewery hopping.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” - Gandhi

  • Ascent Program: A free SBA learning platform for women entrepreneurs.

    Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): OEDIT is the primary state agency responsible for economic development in Colorado. It offers a range of programs and services to support businesses, startups, and communities. OEDIT focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, as well as international trade and investment.

    Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC): This organization focuses on economic development in the Denver metropolitan area. It works to attract and retain businesses, promote workforce development, and support infrastructure initiatives in the region.

    Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC: Serving the Colorado Springs area, this organization collaborates with local businesses and partners to promote economic growth, workforce development, and tourism in the region.

    Boulder Economic Council: Focused on the city of Boulder, this organization supports the local economy through initiatives such as business retention and expansion, entrepreneurial support, and economic research.

    Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC): AEDC is dedicated to promoting economic growth in the city of Aurora. It works to attract new businesses, support existing businesses, and create a vibrant local economy.

    Northern Colorado Economic Alliance (NCEA): Serving the northern Colorado region, NCEA aims to promote economic development, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements in communities such as Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and surrounding areas.

    Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO): Focused on the city of Pueblo, PEDCO works to attract new businesses, assist existing businesses, and enhance the economic vitality of the community.

    Region 10: Region 10 is a designated Economic Development District and thus is responsible for creating and implementing a regional economic development plan.

    Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP): Centered in Grand Junction, GJEP promotes economic growth, workforce development, and entrepreneurship in western Colorado.

    Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium: This consortium aims to improve workforce development in rural areas of the state by collaborating with local governments, educational institutions, and businesses.

  • Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The Colorado SBDC provides free consulting services, workshops, training programs, and resources to assist small businesses in various stages of development. They offer guidance on business planning, market research, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and access to capital.

    Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): The OEDIT offers programs and resources to support economic development in Colorado. They provide assistance to small businesses through initiatives like business retention and expansion, workforce development, international trade support, funding opportunities, and incentives.

    Minority Business Office (MBO): The MBO supports minority-owned businesses in Colorado by offering technical assistance, training programs, and networking opportunities. They provide guidance on certifications, government contracting, access to capital, and business development strategies.

    Small Business Administration (SBA) Colorado District Office: The SBA provides resources and support to small businesses nationwide. The Colorado District Office offers counseling, training, access to capital, and government contracting assistance. They can help small businesses understand and navigate SBA loan programs and other federal initiatives.

    Manufacturer's Edge: Manufacturer's Edge is a statewide manufacturing assistance center that provides technical expertise, training, and consulting services to manufacturers in Colorado. They offer assistance in areas such as lean manufacturing, process improvement, technology adoption, supply chain optimization, and workforce development.

    The Fax Partnership: 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to East Colfax. Embracing the diverse communities we serve, we work hard to promote equity and advocate for development without displacement. We provide residential and support services to local residents and small businesses. We aim to achieve responsible growth that prioritizes affordable and attainable housing, community-serving redevelopment, and supports local employment opportunities.

    Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute: The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI) creates the space for communities and people of all backgrounds to realize their unique potential through the power of entrepreneurship. We invest in entrepreneurs’ personal and business development through a proven mix of classroom, coaching, capital, and community.

    SCORE: The nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops.

    Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program: The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business.

    Startup Colorado: Resources for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners in rural Colorado.

    Rural Community Assistance Corporation: RCAC partners with rural and Indigenous communities to achieve their vision and well being through technical assistance, training, financial resources and advocacy.

  • AltCap: AltCap believes that small businesses can create vibrant, thriving communities. Their alternative approach to financing allows us to support small businesses that other lenders overlook — regardless of their size or industry. We lend flexible, patient capital and tailor financial solutions to meet entrepreneurs where they’re at.

    Brewery Finance: Brewery Finance is the first equipment finance company created specifically for America’s craft beer trade. Founded in 2005 by a diehard beer lover and homebrewer, we provide startup and established craft brewers with vital funding to help them launch, grow and flourish.

    CRF USA: As a nonprofit organization, CRF does SBA 7(a) lending differently. Working in tandem with community partners, the CRF team combines exceptional customer service with the traditional benefits offered by the SBA 7(a) program to collectively create impact in communities across the country.

    Impower: Our experienced lending team brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge to help clients navigate traditional and SBA financing options. As a result the Momentus Direct Capital team has delivered over $2 billion in financing to close over 1000 transactions. The result is well over 12 million sq. ft. of small businesses properties created or supported – generating real impact for economic development and communities.

    Rural Community Assistance Corporation: RCAC partners with rural and Indigenous communities to achieve their vision and well being through technical assistance, training, financial resources and advocacy.

    Huntington Bank: Huntington’s Lift Local Business® program supports minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned small businesses throughout the business life cycle — from start-up to expansion. Through our SBA team, the program offers loans, business planning support, free financial entrepreneurial courses delivered through Operation HOPE, and other services to help small business owners achieve their goals.

    DreamSpring: DreamSpring is a nonprofit community lender dedicated to eliminating systemic wealth inequities and accelerating the economic inclusion and strength of underserved communities. Founded in 1994, the organization, which operates in 19 states, provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to the most vulnerable small business owners, focusing on communities including people of color, women, low- to moderate-income earners, people with disabilities, and start-ups.

    Colorado Enterprise Fund: Is a non-profit CDFI small business lender committed to helping entrepreneurs start and grow their business.

    CEDS Finance: Community Enterprise Development Services, or CEDS Finance, is a mission-driven, non-profit, small business lender that also provides business support services to underserved business owners across Denver Metro. We work to remove barriers thus expanding financial services to those who’ve been marginalized from the traditional financial system; and empower them towards thriving businesses, families, and communities.

    First Southwest Community Fund: Provides inclusive and equitable access to capital through a range of innovative programs for rural Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners–ensuring these businesses have access to the capital they need to grow and enrich their communities. If you are looking to start or scale your small business or non-profit, take a look at our programs and see how we can help.

    Region 9: The Region 9's mission is to be a regional leader, working cooperatively with the private and public sectors to enhance the economic conditions in the area, and improve economic prosperity. We proudly serve the counties of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan, and the cities and towns within those regions, as well as the Southern Ute and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes.

    Region 10: Region 10’s Business Loan Fund (BLF) is a lending source that provides capital to small businesses focusing on expansion, creating and retaining jobs, and benefiting our growing regional economy.

    Southern Colorado Community Lending, LLC: An affiliate of Neighborhood Housing Services OF Southern Colorado, Regulated by the Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies, Southern Colorado Community Lending, LLC is an equal housing lender.

    Northwest Loan Fund (NLF): Offer small business loans to new or growing businesses 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 and others.

    The Good Jobs Fund Offers flexible financing to small businesses that bring quality jobs to people that need them the most. In partnership with fund sponsor Kaiser Permanente, the mission of the fund is to help businesses recover and thrive in a post-COVID environment and promote inclusive economic development in the markets it serves. The fund is especially focused on supporting minority-owned businesses and bringing more quality jobs to communities of color.

    Greenline Ventures ("Greenline"): An impact-focused investment management firm that specializes in providing creative and flexible capital to underserved businesses and communities that are often neglected by traditional capital providers.

    NEWSED: Small Business Programs include a Start-Up Business to Neighborhood Business Revitalization Zone on Santa Fe Drive in the La Alma Lincoln Park Neighborhood. It was a designation handed down by HUD and it ushered in a new era of small business support and programming for the City of Denver and the West Denver community.

    Colorado BIPO Micro Equity Fund: Provides growth capital to small businesses. Growth Capital is an innovative financing product that gives business owners the time they need to invest in and stabilize their companies.

    CRF USA: Works with a network of more than 90 mission-driven lenders across the country. If there is a better financing product or service for your business, we’ll connect you to the organization with the best fit. Once you are matched with a lender, they will reach out to discuss next steps.

    Newtek: Offer both short- and long-term funding needs by combining multiple financing products into a single solution. We help you maximize funding by helping your business find areas to grow, cut costs, and minimize risks.

    Greater Colorado Venture Fund: Venture capital fund investing in early stage startups headquartered across the state of Colorado, outside of the Front Range. We are working to inspire innovation in communities overlooked by venture funds.

  • Colorado Chamber of Commerce: The mission of The Colorado Chamber is to champion a healthy business climate. The Colorado Chamber is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective.

  • Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS): CCCS is a nonprofit credit counseling agency that offers a range of services, including credit counseling, debt management plans, and financial education. They work with individuals to assess their financial situation, create a budget, and develop a strategy to reduce debt and improve credit.

    Money Management International (MMI): MMI is a national nonprofit credit counseling agency that provides counseling services to individuals in Utah and across the country. They offer credit counseling, debt management plans, financial education, and other resources to help individuals regain control of their finances.

    Navicore Solutions: Navicore Solutions is a national nonprofit organization that offers credit counseling services. Their certified credit counselors provide personalized counseling sessions to help individuals understand their credit, develop a budget, and create a plan to manage their debt and improve their credit score.

    GreenPath Financial Wellness: GreenPath Financial Wellness is a nationwide nonprofit organization that offers credit counseling and debt management services. They provide one-on-one counseling to help individuals with credit and debt-related issues, budgeting, and financial planning.

    National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC): The NFCC is a network of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. These agencies provide credit counseling, debt management plans, and financial education services to help individuals achieve financial stability.

    Operation Hope: Operation HOPE has a broad array of individualized services that level the playing field by offering customized one-on-one programs for youth, adults, and disaster survivors—on their own or through their employers—to equip them with the financial knowledge and tools they need to create a more secure future – all at no cost.

    Take Charge America: Take Charge America is a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management organization that offers personalized credit counseling services. They provide financial education, budgeting assistance, and guidance on credit management to help individuals improve their personal credit.

  • Innosphere Ventures: supports entrepreneurs in many industries, including but not limited to: bioscience; medical device; energy; advanced materials; hardware; enterprise software; fintech; and artificial intelligence.

    Institute for Entrepreneurship: The Institute for Entrepreneurship serves as a hub for innovation, taking a zero-barriers approach to entrepreneurship by offering free programming open to all CSU affiliates and Colorado community members. Our three stage Venture Development Platform gives you all the tools you need to get your idea to market.

    The Commons on Champa: The Commons on Champa is a public-private partnership located in Denver, Colorado. It offers a range of resources and programs for startups, including incubation space, mentorship, networking events, workshops, and access to a supportive entrepreneurial community.

    Catalyst HTI: Catalyst HTI is a health technology innovation campus located in Denver, Colorado. It provides space and resources for startups in the health and wellness industry, fostering collaboration and connections among entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and healthcare organizations.

    Catalyst Campus: Offer amenities where industry, small business, workforce training, entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital intersect with the aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation, and stimulate business growth. They serve as a trusted agnostic partner that facilitates connections to initiate, cultivate, and enhance the public-private partnerships.

    Business Incubator Center: The Business Incubator Center supports the launch, growth, stabilization and long-term success of business enterprises in Mesa County and the surrounding region. We measure success by our ability to guide entrepreneurs through sound business decisions and our positive influence on economic growth in the region.

    Watson Institute: Offers training that empowers students to build impactful and successful careers while developing the skills of entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

    Metro Denver/ Innovation: Powered by a highly skilled and uniquely passionate workforce, Metro Denver is a magnet for purpose-driven businesses and industry leaders working on today's biggest issues and tomorrow's cutting edge. Partnerships among our research universities, national laboratories and the business community breeds company success. Their entrepreneurial business environment is propelling forward with dynamic industries, significant venture capital awards, and high concentrations of scientific and research-oriented talent.

    MergeLane: Invests in high-potential startups and venture capital funds with at least one female leader.

    Black Pointe: Specialize in Virtual Business Incubation where we provide business expertise in the areas of business plans, pro-forma financial statements, startup types and sources of funding, pitch decks and our Pitch Fest Night.

    THE GARAGE AT UCCS: Created in 2015, The Garage at UCCS is a student entrepreneurship center that helps UCCS students in Colorado Springs to develop and execute business venture ideas.

    Boulder Community Action Program: Boulder County Community Action Programs (CAP) advocate for and help organize programs that foster self-sufficiency for individuals, families, and people of color with low-income. Boulder County Community Action Programs focuses on community organizing and advocacy on low income issues.

  • Techstars: Techstars is a global network of startup accelerators that operates in various locations, including Boulder, Colorado. Techstars offers a 13-week accelerator program, providing funding, mentorship, and access to a wide network of investors and successful entrepreneurs.

    MergeLane : MergeLane is an accelerator focused on supporting female-led startups. Based in Boulder, Colorado, MergeLane offers a 12-week program that includes mentorship, coaching, and access to investors.

    Rockies Venture Club (RVC): RVC’s culture is based on the three pillars of Events, Education, and Investment. They are one of the most active Angel groups in the country. RVC funds 25-30 companies annually, holds over 140 in-person and virtual events per year throughout Colorado, and offers a curriculum of 16 classes with information relevant to investors and entrepreneurs no matter what their experience level is.

    Innosphere Ventures: Innosphere Ventures is an incubator and accelerator program located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It provides support to high-tech startups, including access to experienced advisors, educational programs, connections to investors, and strategic resources.

    Boomtown Accelerator : Boomtown is an accelerator program based in Boulder, Colorado, that supports early-stage tech startups. It offers a 12-week program focused on mentorship, fundraising, and product development.

    Telluride Venture Accelerator: Located in Telluride, Colorado, the Telluride Venture Accelerator supports startups in various industries. They provide mentorship, funding, and a supportive community for entrepreneurs.