CEDS Finance

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim clients, staff members, and the Colorado Muslim community! May your homes be filled with warmth, peace, and happiness.

At CEDS Finance, we're proud to have supported Muslim small business owners for the past 13 years. We're also honored to be a sponsor of the Eid festival hosted by the Islamic Outreach Center of Coloradoo. Thanks to Sh. Shafi N Aziz and his team for hosting this amazing celebration!

We are thrilled to share that one of our clients, Sabrina Harris, has been highlighted by Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade OEDIT) as a recipient of the Colorado Startup Loan Fund (CSLF). Her inspiring journey and the impactful work she is doing with her early learning center, Walking by Faith, is now featured on OEDIT’s blog. Read the post here: https://oedit.colorado.gov/blog-post/pay-it-forward-how-the-colorado-startup-loan-fund-cares-for-local-communities

We hope you will join us In Sha Allah.
JazakumAllahu khayran to one of our silver level sponsors, CEDS Finance for their support of this important uniting event.

As Colorado’s only Islamic-compliant lender, CEDS Finance has been actively sharing its expertise in creating inclusive financial products. Last week, CEDS Finance presented on Islamic Finance at the Credit Builders Alliance (CBA) Credit Building Symposium in Washington, D.C. Additionally, our Portfolio Officer, Yolanda Huillca, received the prestigious Karen Dobson Award from CBA, recognizing her significant and lasting impact on credit building throughout her career. We are honored to have been selected to speak at this conference and to discuss Islamic financing and its impact on the Islamic community.

Meet Our Board Chair!

Jonalyn Denlinger is an independent consultant with over a decade of experience in social work, nonprofit, and foundation sectors.

“For over a decade, I’ve worked with foundations, funds, and businesses in various capacities. Throughout this work, I saw a need for consulting that puts people first. I became an independent consultant because my passion is people, and I firmly believe that supporting and motivating people leads to better outcomes for individuals and organizations.”

We are thrilled to have Jonalyn’s expertise and passion guiding our board!

Meet Our Board Vice Chair!

Patrick Horvath is an experienced nonprofit and philanthropic director, passionate about achieving racial and economic justice and developing solutions in partnership with directly affected communities.

“I am deeply committed to advancing economic equity, with a particular focus on the intersections of economic and racial equity.”

We are honored to have Patrick’s dedication and expertise supporting our mission as our Vice Chair!

We are thrilled to announce that CEDS Finance has been selected to present at the prestigious Credit Builder Alliance’s 2024 Credit Building Symposium in Washington, D.C., from June 5 – 7, 2024!⁠
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Our very own Tony Pelz, Director of Lending, will be presenting on, "Islamic Finance: Creating Inclusive Financial Products and Programs." Discover how we're pioneering inclusive financial solutions that align with Islamic principles, making financial services accessible to all.⁠
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Stay tuned for updates and insights from the symposium. We can't wait to share our journey and innovative approach with you!⁠
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We are thrilled to announce that CEDS Finance has received a $300,000 Opportunity Fund grant from the .S. Bank Foundation! This generous support will enable us to expand our unique loan programs, increase lending efficiencies, and enhance our outreach efforts, directly supporting our mission to empower underserved and diverse communities through tailored financial solutions.

Thank you, U.S. Bank for your commitment to fostering economic growth and resilience in communities that need it most. We are excited to put this grant to work and make a significant impact together!

This weekend, CEDS Finance attended the 1st Ethiopian Community Center Fundraising Event at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel! Kudos to Colorado Ethiopian Community for hosting an incredible event, providing a fantastic networking opportunity. We're proud to have participated in such a meaningful event and extend huge thanks to Samuel and his team for organizing this unforgettable gathering. At CEDS Finance, we're dedicated to supporting underserved communities through: - Financing for small businesses - Mechanical assistance - Ongoing sponsorships Let's continue making a positive impact together!

We are so excited to announce that Efrata Kirose , Associate Consultant at Working Within, and Kwami Asakpo, AVP Business Banking Relationships Manager at PNC Bank, has joined our External Credit Committee (ECC) at CEDS Finance!

The ECC comprises exceptional community members like Kwami, bringing their expertise to guide our decisions in business financing. Welcome to the team, Efrata and Kwami!

Mark your calendars for an informative Home Buying Seminar featuring Arlene Delgado from Encore Bank and a valued CEDS Finance board member. Co-hosted with City Park Realty, this event is tailored for the Spanish-speaking community and ideal for first-time homebuyers or those seeking insights into the current housing market. Gain essential knowledge and tools to navigate the home purchasing process and learn about Encore Bank's specialized financial products, including the HELP Funds Program and Impact and ITIN loans, designed to support diverse homebuyer needs.

Date: Saturday, May 25th
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Location: City Park Realty, LLC, 12075 East 45th Ave. Ste. 100B, Denver, CO 80239
Language: Spanish
Register: https://bankencore.kadince.com/external/community/events/3ada56f76be1980a267086b9c21cd52d/details

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

Join us in celebrating the profound contributions of AAPI to our shared history. At CEDS Finance, we're proud to have supported 25 AAPI small business owners in achieving their entrepreneurial goals.

Zin Zin Htun, photographed, is the owner and founder of Zin Zin’s Burmese Cuisine, the first Burmese restaurant in Denver. Zin Zin immigrated to the United States from Burma and brought with her authentic recipes. “I take pride in my cooking, and am committed to bringing my customers quality and authenticity,” said Zin Zin.

Zin Zin’s Burmese Cuisine is currently offering catering, private chef work, and am selling at some pop-up events like Holiday Markets and Farmers' Markets.

Learn more at https://www.zinzinsburmesecuisine.com/

The application period for our grant has now closed. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who applied and to all who helped spread the word about this opportunity. All applicants will be notified of their grant status by June 3, 2024. Stay tuned!

Applications Are Open!
Don’t miss out on this chance to empower your business with a $5,000 grant from CEDS Finance, in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Apply now!

https://www.cedsfinance.org/grant/

$5,000 Small Business Grant Applications open TOMORROW!

Application Period: May 1, 2024, 10:00 AM - May 3, 2024, 5:00 PM

Important Grant Information:
- The grant application will open May 1st at 10 AM and will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- Visit our website to view the FAQs. They are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Somali.

CEDS Finance is happy to offer in-person application support and is available:
- Wednesday, May 1st, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM (application opens at 10:00 AM)
- Thursday, May 2nd, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
- Friday, May 3rd, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
We are located at 10660 E Colfax Ave, Suite B (back parking lot).

Questions? Get in Touch
Call: 720-257-9166 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
Email: [email protected]

The City of Denver, partnered with CEDS Finance, proudly presents a dynamic two-day workshop designed to enhance financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. This workshop series aims to inform immigrant communities (including newcomers and long-standing residents) about the essential tools necessary to begin and/or enhance their economic journeys and understand the benefits of working with financial experts to accomplish their economic goals.

Spanish interpretation will be provided.

When: April 24-25, 2024 / 9 - 11am
Where: Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library (1498 Irving St., Denver CO 80204)

CEDS Finance proudly hosted RMMFI graduates of Aurora Business Launch Boot Camp Class #15! Passionate entrepreneurs showcased their businesses alongside engaging pitches from the newest Denver Business Idea Lab cohort. This event brings together entrepreneurs, partners, and community members dedicated to growth and opportunity.

Let's continue to foster growth and opportunity within our community!.

CEDS Finance in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, has made funding available to be distributed as grants to underserved small businesses in Colorado. The objective of this program is to address capital accessibility disparities for startup and existing small businesses, aiming to promote economic development in the State with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Grants of $5,000 will be awarded to underserved small businesses based on the eligibility criteria, with a priority on low-income status. Applications will then be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all grant funds are disbursed.

For more information, visit our website at: https://www.cedsfinance.org/grant-program/

Kudos to the Colorado Afghan American Association for hosting an incredible Eid Mela! With over a thousand attendees, it provided a fantastic networking opportunity. CEDS Finance is proud to have sponsored such a meaningful event. Huge thanks to Sharifi and his team for organizing this unforgettable gathering. At CEDS Finance, we're dedicated to supporting underserved communities through financing for small businesses, mechanical assistance, and ongoing sponsorships. Let's continue making a positive impact together.

Reflecting on an incredible black capital event! A heartfelt thank you to the Black Business Initiative for entrusting us to host the remarkable black Capital Conference to bring together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and innovators for a day of networking and empowerment. Let's continue to foster growth and opportunity within our community!

The Black Business Initiative is hosting its 2024 Black Capital Conference TOMORROW!

If you’re a business owner looking to grow your revenue, this is the conference for you. Take a deep dive into tactical strategies to grow your customer base, secure private and public contracts, understand your credit profile, and build better banking relationships to help you access the capital you need to scale.
Breakfast and lunch are included.

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-capital-customers-contracts-capital-tickets-743121214557?aff=oddtdtcreator

We were excited to attend the grand Opening of one of our client Catering restaurant, the African Caribbean Palate. Congratulations to ShellyAnn Allen the owner of the catering restaurant. Small businesses play a critical role in the local economy.

CEDS Finance is thrilled to have hosted our second yearly Iftar dinner, an event that gathered Muslim community leaders and small business owners from across Colorado. This special night shone as a model of togetherness, diversity, and making new connections.

We're incredibly thankful to everyone who came, including Sheik Shafi from the Islamic Outreach Center of Colorado and individuals from eight different backgrounds: Somalia, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt, and Kenya.

A big shout-out to our partners and supporters who attended this fantastic event: The Colorado Health Foundation, the Office of Congressman Jason Crow, the Colorado Refugee Services Program, Representative Rep. Iman Jodeh, and Alpine Bank. Your participation highlighted the importance of working together and supporting one another within our community.

This event was a celebration of working together and creating strong bonds, and we're so grateful for everyone who made it such a special evening. Thank you for joining us in this meaningful gathering.

and with this community!

Celebrate our community's accomplishments with CEDS Finance's inaugural Impact Report, highlighting our remarkable journey with you all and detailed insights into the achievements of the past fiscal year, FY23. Dive into the full report and join us in commemorating the successes we've achieved together! https://www.cedsfinance.org/impact/

Exciting News!
SPARK now has a maximum loan amount of $15,000, previously $5,000, and a streamlined underwriting and closing process. The SPARK Loan is designed for business owners who want to test a new idea and build a credit history.
- Up to $15,000
- No Collateral or Owner’s Equity Needed
- Minimal Documentation Required
- Faster Underwriting and Closing Process
Learn more about all of the loan products CEDS Finance offers in the link in the bio

Exciting News!
SPARK now has a maximum loan amount of $15,000, previously $5,000, and a streamlined underwriting and closing process. The SPARK Loan is designed for business owners who want to test a new idea and build a credit history.
- Up to $15,000
- No Collateral or Owner’s Equity Needed
- Minimal Documentation Required
- Faster Underwriting and Closing Process

Learn more about all of the loan products CEDS Finance offers here: https://www.cedsfinance.org/financial-products/

Join us at CEDS Finance as Arlene Delgado, one of our board members from Encore Bank, collaborates with Springboard Childcare and Compass Realty to co-host a Spanish-language First Time Home Buyers seminar.The seminar will prepare attendees to purchase a home and will highlight the HELP Funds Program, as well as Encore’s Impact and ITIN loans. Lunch will be provided!

When: Thursday March 21st from 12-2pm
Where: CEDS Finance (10660 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010)

Únete a nosotros en CEDS Finance mientras Arlene Delgado, una de nuestras miembros de la junta directiva de Encore Bank, colabora con Springboard Childcare y Compass Realty para co-organizar un seminario para compradores de vivienda por primera vez en español. El seminario preparará a los asistentes para comprar una casa y destacará el Programa de Fondos de Ayuda, así como los préstamos de Impacto y ITIN de Encore. ¡Se proporcionará almuerzo!

Cuándo: Jueves 21 de marzo de 12 a 2 p. m.
Dónde: CEDS Finance (10660 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010)

In partnership with WorldDenver, CEDS Finance was proud to host again the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a delegation of business leaders from 10 different African countries. IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program,through a short-term visit to the United States. These mid-career professionals visit various organizations in the United States for 2-3 weeks, stop in 3-5 cities across the country, and connect, learn and exchange ideas. Together, we discussed how and are the engine of prosperity and stability. .