A Message From Our Community
16 Years of Impact and Counting
Key All-Time Results
The Strategies
People are unstoppable forces. Life circumstances are real and sometimes overwhelming, yet they should not determine what we can do in the present or be in the future. We believe everyone should be free to make choices to activate the possible. RMMFI creates the space for communities and people of all backgrounds to realize their unique potential through the power of entrepreneurship.
RMMFI invests in entrepreneurs’ personal and business development through a proven mix of classroom, coaching, capital, and community.
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Classroom: A variety of cohorts to ideate, launch and grow the business
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Coaching: Expert mentors support entrepreneurs throughout their journey
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Capital: Low-barrier loans and grants from $500 - $75,000
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Community: Connections to customers and a community of support
The Challenge
Microbusinesses, which account for 92% of all U.S. businesses, are essential to creating jobs, building wealth—especially for marginalized groups—and preserving cultural identity.* However, since 2020, entrepreneurs have faced pandemic-related closures, rising costs of living and doing business in Colorado, and an uncertain economic climate.
Demand for RMMFI’s programs and accessible capital has surged as entrepreneurs have navigated these shifting realities. In 2023-2024, RMMFI delivered targeted resources to support their success.
RMMFI's Theory of Change
Ownership of Self
of RMMFI entrepreneurs report being on path to achieving what they want in life
Ownership of Wealth
average increase in RMMFI entrepreneurs' household income over 3 years
of RMMFI-supported businesses remain open and active for at least 2 years
Ownership of Community Health
of RMMFI entrepreneurs are involved in community events and business leadership
2023-2024 In Review | Record Number of Entrepreneurs Reached
We focused on serving individuals and communities that have been overlooked and underestimated by traditional business and financial services.
This year, we expanded beyond the San Luis Valley, Sterling, and Trinidad to offer programs and services across all of rural Colorado for the first time - meeting the needs of smaller communities in the southern, eastern, and western parts of the state.
We also supported a record number of Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs by expanding beyond the Denver Metro Area to now offer Spanish-language programs and capital statewide.
We are Expanding in Colorado
Entrepreneur Highlights
For Jaime Johnson, SOCO Skateland in Trinidad is more than a roller rink; it’s part of the health of her community. Jaime first discovered Skateland through roller derby, which she was drawn to as a way to become a strong woman after some turbulent personal years. She quickly saw the value of a place like Skateland for the youth of Trinidad. “The kids at Skateland reminded me of me. They just wanted a safe place – that’s all I wanted as a kid, you know?”
When Jaime learned that Skateland might shut down because the owners couldn’t afford the operating costs, she knew she had to act. By rallying the community, Jaime raised enough money to pay off the bills. After a few years of saving, she took over the Skateland completely.
Jaime was now running her business, working several jobs, and facing numerous problems she didn’t know how to solve. She sought support from RMMFI, joining Business Idea Lab and then Business Launch Boot Camp. “I can’t thank this program enough,” Jaime says. “The marketing, the tracking systems – I didn’t know how to do any of that. I’ve already seen a huge improvement.”
Fulfilling her vision of Skateland serving as a positive community spot for Trinidad’s youth, Jaime also started a non-profit called SOCO Clubhouse. Run alongside Skateland, the Clubhouse provides a variety of programs for kids in Trinidad to stay healthy and develop their skills.
Jaime has successfully re-invented Skateland and, by doing so, has demonstrated the critical role small businesses can play in fostering healthy local communities where everyone can thrive.
Growing up in a family of merchants in Mexico, Monserrat Mendoza always dreamed of starting her own business. It wasn’t until she immigrated to the U.S. that she found the opportunity to pursue this dream. Now, with her business, Mexicas Cafe LLC, she is introducing a piece of her culture through coffee in her new country while supporting small producers from her homeland.
Mexicas Cafe LLC focuses on bringing organic, artisanal coffee from Mexico to the U.S. It offers high-quality, natural products that reflect Mexico's unique culture and craftsmanship.
To help turn her business idea into reality, Monserrat joined RMMFI’s Business Idea Lab and Business Launch Boot Camp. She credits the programs with providing invaluable guidance on how to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, especially as an immigrant.
Looking forward, Monserrat aims to grow Mexicas Cafe into a recognized brand that not only shares the rich culture of Mexican coffee but also supports the local farmers and artisans who produce it. Her hope is to expand distribution across Colorado and the U.S. and, in turn, create a positive social impact by empowering these communities.
“My goal is to make every cup of Mexicas Cafe a unique experience, connecting people with the stories and efforts of the dedicated individuals behind each bean. It’s not just about coffee, it’s about sharing culture and creating a sustainable business that gives back to the community.”
What is the Access to Markets program? It provides grants to product-based entrepreneurs to access market opportunities, including market fees, booth supplies, product inventory, transportation, marketing materials, and more.
Funder Highlight
By the Numbers
Entrepreneurs Served
Entrepreneurs Served Over Three Years
Percentage of Entrepreneurs Served by Region in Colorado
2023-2024 In Review | 127 New Businesses Launched & Grown
RMMFI’s Thrive phase offerings for established entrepreneurs reached rural Colorado for the first time, bringing next-level education and expanded capital offerings to additional communities.
We tested a new model for reaching more entrepreneurs by licensing our curriculum and services to community partners. We’re proud to support the Eagle Valley Community Foundation as they serve Latinx leaders and people of color.
We ran a record 13 cohorts of our signature Business Launch Boot Camp program this year.
Entrepreneur Highlights
Carrie Martin-Haley, owner of Summit Sustainable Goods, launched her zero-waste and refill shop in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. Her business focuses on offering locally sourced, eco-friendly household and personal care products for refill, guaranteeing that nothing ends up in the trash. Carrie’s business has evolved from a pop-up shop to a community collective, much like her life. Last year, she welcomed a baby, and with that new chapter, she learned to navigate the different seasons of business and motherhood.
“RMMFI has been invaluable in helping me develop new skills and grow my business in a way that aligns with my values,” Carrie says. “They’ve supported me as I’ve learned to take it one step at a time, figuring out how to push my business to the next level while staying true to my mission.” Through RMMFI, Carrie has gained the confidence and financial support to continue growing Summit Sustainable Goods, ensuring that each new season of her life brings success to her family and her community-focused business.
Autumn T. Thomas, owner of The Curly Grain, creates stunning custom cutting boards from exotic woods. Her work is more than just craftsmanship; it’s about creating legacy pieces that bring families together over food. “I put all of my heart into these pieces,” she says, “and to be able to share them with different people across the world, it means everything to me.”
For Autumn, entrepreneurship is both fulfilling and challenging. “Starting a business is hard and it can be really isolating and lonely... and super scary,” she explains. Through RMMFI, she found invaluable support, both financially and emotionally. “My favorite thing about RMMFI is the moral support I got and continue to get from them.” With guidance from her mentor and the structure RMMFI helped her create, Autumn has been able to push forward. “They helped me put together a schedule for myself and set goals, so even if I’m working 12-15 hour days, I’m working toward a goal.
Volunteer Highlight
Daniela Cesconetto is a trilingual IT professional and an outstanding RMMFI volunteer. Daniela has helped entrepreneurs in our Spanish-language programs as an Idea Navigator, Business Idea Lab Coach, Accountability Coach, Thrive Mentor, and Workshop Provider. “It brings me incredible joy to work with our entrepreneurs! Helping an idea develop into a viable business is like contributing to the beginning of a new life. It’s very exciting!” Daniela says about volunteering with RMMFI. Daniela’s passion for an inclusive economy runs deep: “I think the greatest innovations happen when people from different backgrounds come together to solve a common problem. It would be a tremendous loss to all of us if we didn’t give a voice to those with different circumstances, abilities, and experiences. An inclusive economy is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing for our society’s long-term success and prosperity.” Daniela’s skills, experience, and encouragement have tremendously impacted our community and provided immense support to our Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.
Read Full Spotlight
Partner Highlights
By the Numbers
Business Launch Boot Camp Graduates Over Three Years
Volunteers Engaged Over Three Years
2023-2024 In Review | Small Dollars, Big Impact
This year RMMFI surpassed $2 million in capital deployed through a mix of business loans and grants.The 168 grants we distributed had an immense impact: entrepreneurs who received grants were 3x more likely to have their business be the major source of their household income this past year.
Through a rigorous recertification process, we maintained our status as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) for the 16th year in a row.
Entrepreneur Highlights
Farah-Jane, born and raised in Haiti, never imagined owning her own business until she moved to Colorado and found a lack of Haitian cuisine. What started as cooking for family and friends became a full-time venture after attending a mobile food industry class and RMMFI’s Business Launch Boot Camp. “It’s been a fun journey so far,” she says as she enters her third year in business with a thriving food truck and catering service.
She gained clarity on her business after participating in RMMFI’s Thrive Business Accelerator. "Before RMMFI, I was all over the place and scared of failing. My mentors helped me find clarity, gave me the guidance I needed, and helped me believe in my business," says Farah-Jane. The mentorship and hands-on approach gave her the confidence to complete her goals. “It gave me a better concept of my business,” she shares. With the grant and loan from the TBA, she’s continuing to build her business and work toward her dream of opening a food hall. For her, "RMMFI is the perfect organization for building community. If you have a question, RMMFI will help and provide ongoing support."
Antonio’s entrepreneurial journey began in early 2023 when a turning point in his sales career made him realize that the life he wanted for his family wouldn’t be possible through a traditional job. Determined to build something of his own, Antonio spent his last 30 days at work researching, planning, and setting up the foundation for his business. "I wasn’t going to be able to achieve the life I wanted for my family being a W2 employee," he recalls.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. Antonio had to make sacrifices, relying on free meals at a local church and using the library to print flyers as he stretched every dollar to keep his dream alive. But with RMMFI’s support and a RMMFI Launch Grant, he gained the tools and confidence he needed to keep his repair shop moving forward. Graduating from the Business Launch Boot Camp in November 2023, Antonio reflects, “RMMFI gave me the confidence to take my business to the next level. They didn’t just help me build a business—they helped me build a life.”
Today, Antonio continues to push forward, creating a business and life on his terms. His story is one of resilience and resourcefulness, proving that with hard work and the right support, anything is possible.
With more support and knowledge about financial wellbeing and how to use credit wisely we can do the seemingly impossible things with small amounts of money.
By the Numbers
Capital Deployment
Loans
Loan Deployment Over Three Years
Grants
Grant Deployment Over Three Years
We know that grants are impactful for RMMFI entrepreneurs; 100% of entrepreneurs who received a Launch Grant officially started their businesses. Based on responses to annual surveys, RMMFI entrepreneurs who received a grant are 3x more likely to have business income as the primary source of their household income and 1.9x more likely to grow their business through hiring employees and contractors compared to entrepreneurs who did not receive a grant. RMMFI continues to seek new funding sources to continue providing grants.
2023-2024 In Review | By Community, For Community
We invested in building community and strengthening the ecosystem because we know that business leaders are community leaders.
We partnered with like-minded entrepreneur support organizations to co-host the first Entrepreneur & Employer Day of Action at the Colorado State Capital in February.
We worked with Community Resource Center’s The Participation Project to conduct bilingual, nonpartisan voter registration and encourage civic engagement.
Entrepreneur Highlights
Flavia Estrada, owner of CO-Wear Boutique at La Plaza Marketplace in Aurora, believes that All Silhouettes Matter. With this motto guiding her work, Flavia offers a wide range of stylish, everyday apparel in both standard and inclusive sizing, ensuring that fashion is accessible to everyone. A graduate of the Business Launch Boot Camp in 2023, she has been a passionate advocate for small businesses like hers, bringing this commitment to the Entrepreneur & Employer Day of Action, co-hosted by RMMFI, Small Business Majority, Good Business Colorado, and the Center for Community Wealth Building. Reflecting on the experience, Flavia shared:
“I learned a lot at the Day of Action. I got to meet Senator Rhonda Fields, who represents the district where my business is located. I found it surprisingly easy to talk to her in person. I thought there would be more of a process to connect with someone in politics, but it was very welcoming and simple to voice my opinion. I mentioned to her that many businesses in Aurora don’t have enough startup funding, and it was important for someone to speak up about the need for more resources in Arapahoe County. As a minority and woman business owner, it was empowering to be part of the event, meet other entrepreneurs, and even talk to the governor. I encourage everyone to get involved—it’s a great way to learn, share ideas, and make connections.”
Flavia’s experience is a reminder of the power of community engagement and the importance of advocating for the resources that help small businesses thrive. Her passion for supporting her fellow entrepreneurs and her dedication to Aurora’s business community is truly inspiring.
Organization Highlights
We invested in building community and strengthening the ecosystem because we know that business leaders are community leaders.
Watch the Series
Theresa Rinne-Meyers, RMMFI’s Director of Impact, spoke at the press conference for a CO state bill expanding the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
Partner Highlights
By the Numbers
2023-2024 In Review | Celebrating Success & Community Impact
RMMFI celebrated 16 years of Colorado entrepreneurship at our 2024 Summer Social attended by entrepreneurs, volunteers, staff, and community members.
RMMFI’s Director of Impact Theresa Rinne-Meyers, CEO Jessica Sveen, and Volunteer Coordinator Ainsley Schmidhausler accepted the “Collaboration Catalyst Award” from Good Business Colorado
Sera Muñiz, RMMFI's Director of Growth & Expansion, presented on the “Sexism to Solidarity” panel as part of Denver Film’s Women + Film event
RMMFI's Director of Growth and Expansion Sera Muñiz and Denver Metro Regional Manager Veronica Ybarz facilitated a networking session at the Opportunity Finance Network's Small Business Finance Forum in Chicago
RMMFI staff hosted a Sand Dunes Small Business Bazaar at RMMFI graduate Angelica Quintana’s restaurant in the San Luis Valley to support rural entrepreneurs.
CEO Jessica Sveen and Director of Operations Sherrie Lawson attended Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders® Conference in Charlotte, NC
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Denver City Councilmember Flor Alvidrez speaking at Denver Metro Spanish Graduation
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Denver’s Office of the Mayor Outreach Manager Alex Guttierrez speaking at Denver Metro Spanish Graduation
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Representative Mandy Lindsey speaking at Aurora Graduation
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Denver Economic Development & Opportunity Excecutive Director Abeeb Khan speaking at Denver Graduation
By the Numbers
Over 280 community partners, including…
At RMMFI, we believe that partnering with community organizations, CDFIs and banks, foundations, government agencies, and others in the ecosystem furthers our impact. We define our partnerships into partner types, including:
Resource - providing services to entrepreneurs in RMMFI’s programs
Referral - sending entrepreneurs and volunteers to RMMFI for services
Sector - serving as thought partners or coalition members as peers in the entrepreneur-support ecosystem
Funding - providing funds and grants to RMMFI
Corporate - providing donations, sponsorships, and other contributions to RMMFI
Site - engaging in RMMFI program delivery at their location
Community Engagements and Events
Financials
By the Numbers
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Revenue Sources
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Expenses
Capital Portfolio by Product
Social Return on Investment
Our Vision for the Future
As we close another impactful year, we reflect on the significant changes in our environment and communities since the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many parts of the country, Colorado faces pressing civic challenges: affordability, housing shortages, and newcomer support. These needs have grown, which makes economic development and opportunity crucial as we look to rebuild and strengthen our communities in the years to come. Affordability continues to be a major hurdle, not only for the entrepreneurs we support but for our organization as well. We’ve experienced a shift in state and private funding, presenting new complexities in our ability to meet the expanding needs of the communities we serve.
In response, RMMFI has begun laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and scalable future. This year, we’ve made important investments including opening a new office, launching a revamped website, and scaling our operations to ensure we can continue supporting entrepreneurs long-term. As economic conditions continue to evolve in 2025 and beyond, the need for expanded support and innovative solutions will be more critical than ever to sustain the resilience and growth of these vital businesses.
To address these challenges head-on, we are excited to introduce our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which centers around three key lenses:
RMMFI remains a vital resource in our communities and ecosystems, as reinforced by stakeholder feedback. Sustainability is key to our future, ensuring we stay relevant and impactful. Our future brand strategy aims to preserve our legacy while forging ahead with clearer communication of our identity. We can achieve scalability through entrepreneurial innovation with tools like licensing, strategic partnerships, process optimization, and technology investments. By leveraging these strategies, we can serve more entrepreneurs and communities and amplify our impact while optimizing organizational efficiency.
With a rich 16-year legacy, our commitment to nurturing the Whole Entrepreneur remains unwavering, recognizing that investing in individuals cultivates robust businesses, strengthens families, and enriches communities. As the sole CDFI organization in Colorado offering comprehensive microbusiness support tailored to lower-income microentrepreneurs, we pledge to uphold our commitment to long-term engagement, ensuring the success and satisfaction of our entrepreneurs as they journey towards their dreams.
RMMFI champions empowerment and inclusivity, acknowledging the barriers of discrimination and unjust systems that have historically marginalized entrepreneurs. By amplifying their voices, we cultivate enduring legacy businesses and impactful societal change. Our approach combines advocacy, policy initiatives, and holistic support for the Whole Entrepreneur, emphasizing the power of relationships and collaborative ecosystems. Together with partners, we address diverse community needs and advocate for policies that create thriving businesses and equitable opportunities for all.
Together, we continue to build a brighter, more equitable future for entrepreneurs across Colorado. Thank you for being part of the RMMFI Community and for your unwavering support as we step into this exciting new chapter.
Next Steps to Get Involved
Denver, CO 80203
In Office By Appointment Only
Entrepreneurship