CEDS Finance

CEDS Finance's 3rd Annual Iftar Dinner: A Celebration of Community & Partnership We're grateful for the opportunity to bring together Muslim community leaders and small business owners from across Colorado. This special evening showcased the power of togetherness, diversity, and collaboration. Thank you to our esteemed guests, including Sheik Shafi from the Islamic Outreach Center of Colorado, and community members from Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Kenya. Special appreciation to our sponsor, PNC Bank , and our other partners, Colorado Refugee Services Program, Alpine Bank, and Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade for their support. #RamadanMubarak #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Partnership #CommunityFirst

We are thrilled to share that CEDS Finance's Executive Director, Alexandria Wise, was recently appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Community Development Advisory Council! In this role, Alex will bring her expertise in small business lending and economic development to help shape strategies that support communities across our region. Congratulations, Alex—we’re excited to see the impact you’ll make! https://lnkd.in/g5V5YK6m #EconomicEmpowerment #Leadership #CommunityDevelopment #SmallBusinessFinance #CEDSFinance #InclusiveGrowth

?? Ramadan Mubarak! ?? Wishing a blessed and peaceful Ramadan to our Muslim clients, CEDS Finance staff, and the Colorado Muslim community. As the crescent moon marks the beginning of this sacred month, may it bring you joy, reflection, and countless blessings. For over 14 years, CEDS Finance has been honored to support Muslim small business owners, ensuring access to capital that aligns with their faith. We celebrate your resilience, innovation, and contributions to our communities.

CEDS Finance was honored to have attended the Breaking Barriers & Building Bridges Initiative meeting hosted by the African Leadership Group (ALG) last Saturday! This incredible initiative is bridging the gap between African immigrant and African American communities in the Denver-metro region, and we are thrilled to participate in this wonderful event. Kudos to ALG for fostering unity and collaboration among communities. We're proud to be part of this vibrant community! #BreakingBarriersBuildingBridges #SmallBusiness #AfricanLeadershipGroup #CommunityUnity

CEDS Finance was honored to have attended the Breaking Barriers & Building Bridges Initiative meeting hosted by the African Leadership Group (ALG) last Saturday! This incredible initiative is bridging the gap between African immigrant and African American communities in the Denver-metro region, and we are thrilled to participate in this wonderful event. Kudos to ALG for fostering unity and collaboration among communities. We're proud to be part of this vibrant community! #BreakingBarriersBuildingBridges #SmallBusiness #AfricanLeadershipGroup #CommunityUnity

Hear from CEDS client Yurima Crowley of I Love ME Gems!

?? Know Your Rights: Protect Yourself & Your Business ?? At CEDS Finance, we believe that all individuals—regardless of background or immigration status—deserve access to economic opportunity and financial security. It’s important to know your rights when it comes to workplace protections, interactions with law enforcement, and safeguarding your business. ? If ICE or law enforcement comes to your workplace: ?? Stay calm and do not open the door unless they have a signed warrant. ?? You have the right to remain silent—do not answer questions about your immigration status. ?? Ask for an attorney and do not sign anything without legal representation. ?? If you own a business, consider having a workplace preparedness plan in place to protect employees. ?? Resources to Help You Stay Informed: ?? “Know Your Rights” Red Cards (Free from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center): ?? Order Here: https://lnkd.in/guu96-fH ?? Workplace Know Your Rights Video Series: ?? Watch Here: https://lnkd.in/gEyCJAwa ?? Find Legal Help: ?? National Immigration Legal Services Directory: https://lnkd.in/ggrYSxCy ?? Knowledge is power. Share this with your community and help spread awareness! #KnowYourRights #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessProtection #CEDSFinance #FinancialInclusion

CEDS Finance is excited to collaborate with OEDIT through the Partner Outreach Program (POP)! If you’re a Colorado entrepreneur looking for funding, resources, or expert guidance to grow your small business, simply fill out the form below, and one of our team members will connect with you to provide personalized support. https://lnkd.in/gv-KMjW8

At CEDS Finance, we’re committed to empowering entrepreneurs from all walks of life, driving economic resilience and inclusive growth in our communities. Together, we’re shaping a stronger, more equitable future. #InclusiveEconomy #SmallBusinessGrowth #CommunityImpact

The Colorado Startup Loan Fund (CSLF) continues to be a catalyst for small business success, offering essential financing options for entrepreneurs across the state. Since 2022, this impactful program has supported 699 businesses through loans, grants, and guidance, creating opportunities for growth and long-term stability. CEDS Finance is proud to be a trusted CSLF partner and vendor, helping Colorado entrepreneurs like Sabrina Harris bring their visions to life. With support from a CEDS Finance loan, Sabrina’s daycare, Walking by Faith Learning Center, has become an essential pillar of her community, offering critical childcare services where they are needed most. We are honored to collaborate with Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade to expand access to capital and uplift businesses like Sabrina’s. Read her inspiring journey here ?? https://lnkd.in/e_v_Jmbe