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What Is What Makes Colorado Pop?
What Makes Colorado Pop? is an economic equity initiative led by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to make funding more accessible for small businesses across Colorado—especially those that have been historically left out of traditional banking and lending opportunities.
As a trusted nonprofit, WDC is proud to be a community partner in this initiative. Our role is simple: we provide FREE one-on-one technical assistance to help small business owners and entrepreneurs successfully navigate and submit loan applications to the programs offered by OEDIT.
These are not our funding programs—but we’ve been chosen to walk beside you, helping you understand your options, prepare your paperwork, and apply with confidence.
Who This Is For?
Many of the small business owners we support have a powerful idea, a growing business, or a deep commitment to their community—but they’ve hit walls when trying to access capital.
This program is especially for you if:
- You’ve been denied funding from traditional banks
- You’re unsure how to even begin applying for a loan
- You don’t have perfect credit or collateral
- You live in a rural or underserved urban community
- You’re an immigrant, a first-generation entrepreneur, or English isn’t your first language
- You’re trying to recover from financial setbacks, like COVID-19
- You’re starting a new business and haven’t built up a financial history yet
Bottom line: If you’ve ever been told “no,” What Makes Colorado Pop? might be your “yes.”
And we’ll help you apply.
Why Traditional Lending Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Most banks operate with strict requirements. That means a lot of amazing business owners get left behind—not because they aren’t talented or driven, but because they don’t fit inside a rigid system.
Common reasons people are denied access to traditional funding include:
- Low or no credit score
- Short time in business (often under 2 years)
- Lack of collateral (like real estate or big assets)
- Limited business revenue history
- Past financial hardship
- No prior relationship with a bank
- Not knowing how to “package” a loan application
- Language barriers or cultural bias
Through What Makes Colorado Pop?, Colorado is working to close those gaps by offering loan funds, grants, and credit support programs designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are.
Who We Work With?
We work with small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life—especially those who have been underrepresented, underserved, or overlooked by traditional financial systems.
Here are just some of the types of businesses we support through What Makes Colorado Pop?:
Service-Based Businesses
- Barbershops and beauty salons
- Cleaning companies
- Tattoo artists
- Massage therapists and holistic wellness providers
- Auto detailers and mobile mechanics
- Daycare centers and childcare providers
- Personal trainers and fitness professionals
Food and Hospitality Businesses
- Restaurants, food trucks, and catering businesses
- Small cafes and bakeries
- Grocery stores and corner markets
- Specialty food producers (e.g., baked goods, hot sauce, salsa)
Retail and Product-Based Businesses
- Online stores and e-commerce businesses
- Clothing and apparel brands
- Beauty and skincare product lines
- Artisans, crafters, and handmade goods
- Health and wellness products
Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurs
- Photographers and videographers
- Graphic designers and digital artists
- Musicians and recording studios
- Event planners and cultural producers
- Local media, writers, and podcast creators
Rural and Agricultural Businesses
- Small farms and farm-to-market operations
- Livestock producers and ranchers
- Beekeepers and honey producers
- Agritourism and land stewardship ventures
Mobile and Skilled Trades
- Independent truck drivers and freight operators
- Landscapers and general contractors
- Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians
- Repair, handyman, and maintenance services
Professional Services and Startups
- Independent consultants and coaches
- Tech startups and app developers
- Minority-owned medical and dental practices
- Legal, accounting, or real estate service providers
Immigrant-Owned and Multilingual Businesses
We proudly support immigrant entrepreneurs and those for whom English is a second language. If you’ve faced barriers due to language or access, this program is designed to help level the playing field.
How We Support You?
No matter what stage your business is in—or what industry you’re part of—navigating the process of applying for loans, grants, or state programs can be overwhelming. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow, we’re here to make that process easier, clearer, and more accessible.
That’s why WDC offers free, personalized support to walk you through the process step by step.
Here’s what that looks like:
- We help you understand which loan or grant programs you may qualify for
- We assist with organizing the paperwork and documents you’ll need
- We guide you through the application process from start to submission
- We connect you with trusted lenders and program contacts
- We help you review or strengthen your business plan or financial projections
- We provide clear, ongoing support so you’re never left wondering what to do next
Our goal is to make these opportunities feel accessible—not intimidating.
And yes, everything we offer is completely free. No fees. No fine print. Just real help, when you need it
Available Loan & Credit Support Programs
Colorado Startup Loan Fund – Loans up to $150,000 for startups and under-resourced businesses that can’t qualify through traditional banks; flexible terms and lower interest rates.
CLIMBER Loan Fund – Working capital loans from $10,000 to $500,000 for businesses financially impacted by COVID-19; features include deferred payments and below-market rates.
Community Development Block Grant Loan – Funding for rural businesses to start, expand, or stabilize; available through 14 regional loan funds; job creation or retention often required.
Rural Jump-Start Grant Program – Up to $40,000 in startup grants and $5,000 per new hire for new businesses launching in designated rural zones with no local competition.
Colorado Credit Reserve – Helps businesses with low credit or high-risk profiles qualify for loans by backing lenders with a state-funded loan loss reserve.
Cash Collateral Support – Provides up to $500,000 in state-secured collateral for businesses lacking sufficient assets to secure a loan; supports loans up to $10 million.
Real People. Real Guidance. Real Support.
Navigating government programs and funding applications can be overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling the demands of running a business. That’s exactly why we’re here. When you connect with WDC, you’re not just handed a checklist or pointed to a website—you’re matched with a real person who will guide you through the process with patience, clarity, and experience.
We take the time to understand your unique situation and offer support that’s both practical and personalized. Whether you need help understanding financial terms, building a cash flow projection, organizing your documents, or just figuring out where to begin, you’ll have someone by your side every step of the way.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to take the next step toward funding your business, we’re here to help make that happen. This is your opportunity to get clear, personalized support—at no cost, and with no pressure.
Sign up for a free one-on-one consultation, and we’ll follow up with you by phone or text, depending on what works best for you. We’ll talk through where your business stands, what programs might be a fit, and how we can support you in submitting a strong application.
This is your vision. Let’s work together to get it funded.
Looking for More Than Funding?
Building a successful business takes more than just money—it takes guidance, strategy, and the right support system. That’s why WDC also offers the Entrepreneur Mentorship Program, a free resource for business owners who want to grow with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, our mentorship program connects you with experienced professionals who can help you refine your vision, strengthen your operations, and stay focused on long-term success.
If you’re looking for insight, accountability, and real-world advice tailored to your goals, this program is for you.
Learn more about how to join the Entrepreneur Mentorship Program and take your next step forward.
