October 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2025
RMMFI 2025 Impact Report
Table of Contents
Like many nonprofits and businesses, RMMFI has navigated a shifting economic and funding landscape this year. Rather than stretching ourselves too thin or rushing forward, we viewed this moment as a strategic opportunity — a chance to pause, reflect, and build something even stronger for the future.
This year was marked by both record demand and impact, as well as difficult transitions. RMMFI’s model is built on keeping services free or low-cost, going above and beyond to ensure equitable access to capital, and fostering a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. With major shifts in federal and state funding and evolving philanthropic priorities, economic mobility work has become more challenging to fund. To ensure our organization remains strong and sustainable, we had to right-size our programs and our team to align with current revenue realities.
Mid-year, we made the intentional decision to consolidate our programs into three sustainable pipelines: Denver Metro Area, Statewide English, and Statewide Spanish. We also took a strategic pause in our Idea and Launch Phase programming to redesign our curriculum, focusing on equity, accessibility, and up-to-date business concepts that have evolved over the last five years. Our revamped curriculum, created with direct input from entrepreneurs and community members, will launch in January 2026 and provide even deeper resources for our graduates as they grow and sustain their businesses. While we are updating our Launch program, we are doubling down on support for existing business owners in Thrive.
Even through these changes, our commitment to our mission is unwavering. We have a resiliency plan in place, and we are deeply engaged with our communities, partners, and supporters to chart a sustainable path forward. We know that when we come together, we can build an ecosystem where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed.
At the heart of this work is a simple truth: RMMFI exists because systemic barriers have kept business ownership out of reach for too many people for too long. We believe entrepreneurship is for everyone, and we see every day how the diversity of lived experiences, skills, and passions makes communities — and businesses — stronger.
Thank you, RMMFI Community, for standing alongside us at this moment. We need your support. Together, we are building a future where every entrepreneur has the chance to thrive!
RMMFI's Strategic Plan and Theory of Change
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 2024-2025, RMMFI delivered targeted resources to support their success.
*Association for Enterprise Opportunity. Small Business Facts. 2024. Available at: https://research.aeoworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Small-Business-Fact-Sheet-2024.pdf
Demand for RMMFI’s services and accessible capital has surged
RMMFI's Theory of Change
A snapshot of our impact framework and outcomes
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
2025 By the Numbers
Our Growing Community
Entrepreneur Stories
What began as a search for balance and independence has grown into a business built on care, precision, and purpose. Liberty Nelson founded Free of Burdens Bookkeeping LLC after years of working weekends as a CNA while raising her young son. She wanted more time with her family and saw an opportunity to use her natural skill with numbers to help others. Having managed books for her mother and community members, Liberty turned her side work into a professional service designed to support small business owners who often feel overwhelmed by financial details. Her mission is simple: to give entrepreneurs the clarity and freedom to focus on what they do best while she keeps their books in order.
Liberty found her footing through RMMFI’s Business Launch Boot Camp, where she gained the structure, mentorship, and confidence to sustainably grow her business. Specializing in agricultural businesses and nonprofits, she serves clients in sectors that many bookkeepers shy away from, turning complexity into opportunity. With a growing client base and plans to transition into bookkeeping full-time, Liberty is creating a career that aligns with her values of family, integrity, and community support. Free of Burdens Bookkeeping is Liberty’s way of helping others build stability while she builds a life filled with purpose and balance.
- Liberty Nelson
- Jessica Berry
After discovering a wheat allergy, Jessica Berry set out to create baked goods that were naturally gluten-free, flavorful, and satisfying. Drawing on years of culinary experience from kitchens, gelato shops, and even cruise ships, she experimented tirelessly until she developed recipes that met her exacting standards. What began as a personal project quickly grew into a business rooted in care, creativity, and the belief that gluten-free treats should never compromise on taste or texture.
Today, Bosco Baking Co. is a beloved fixture in Denver, known for pastries that balance indulgence with intention. Jessica works alongside her husband Craig to offer sweet and savory options, from pecan hand pies and fruit cobblers to savory hand pies filled with seasonal ingredients. Through RMMFI’s Business Launch Boot Camp and ongoing mentorship, she gained the tools and confidence to turn her passion into a sustainable business, making strategic decisions like hiring support to grow thoughtfully. Bosco Baking Co. is proof that persistence, creativity, and care can transform a challenge into a thriving, meaningful enterprise.
In the wide-open landscape of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, Staci Madril saw an opportunity to bring something new to her community. Originally a practical idea between her and her fiancé, their idea soon grew into a thriving local service built on trust, grit, and heart. Drawing on years of hard work and determination, they launched SLV Rent Me, a car rental business designed to make transportation more accessible for their neighbors. By renting vehicles directly to local residents and offering discounts that large platforms can’t match, Staci has created a business that keeps resources close to home while meeting a real community need.
Through RMMFI’s Business Idea Lab and Business Launch Boot Camp, Staci gained the tools to organize her finances, plan for growth, and solidify her vision for the future. She credits the programs with helping her transform a side idea into a structured, sustainable business. Today, SLV Rent Me continues to grow, fueled by repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals. For Staci and her fiancé, each new rental represents a step toward building stability, freedom, and a better future for their family. Their story is one of persistence and purpose, showing that with enough drive and community spirit, small ideas can lead to lasting impact.
- Staci Madril
Business Launch
Boot Camp
Graduates
Volunteer and Mentor Highlights
- Lara Buelow, Volunteer Business Coach
- Troy Hendelman, Volunteer on Launch Committees and Loan Application Reviewer
RMMFI in the Community
Entrepreneur Day of Action
More than 70 entrepreneurs from across Colorado gathered at the State Capitol to meet with legislators and shape policies that impact small businesses.
Who’s Who in Impact Investing
CEO Jessica Sveen was recognized by The Denver Business Journal and Impact Finance Center as a leader in impact investing and mission-driven lending in Colorado.
Space to Grow
RMMFI’s new downtown Denver office opened its doors to entrepreneurs, partners, and community members, serving as a new home for connection and collaboration.
Inclusive Small Business Roundtable
Entrepreneurs, legislators, and state leaders came together to strengthen Colorado’s small business ecosystem and advance inclusive economic growth.
Holiday Market
More than 20 RMMFI graduates showcased their products at RMMFI’s Holiday Market celebrating local entrepreneurship and community spirit.
Bamboo Club
We relaunched the entrepreneur-led Bamboo Club to grow graduate connections, opportunities, and events.
The Bamboo Fund
RMMFI’s first individual giving campaign, The Bamboo Fund, increased monthly giving from individual donors by 200%, expanding community investment in RMMFI’s mission.
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Financials
Fiscal year 2024-2025 Revenue Sources
Total Revenue
Fiscal year 2024-2025 Expenses
Total Expenses
Capital Portfolio by Product
