In 2023, 247 RMMFI volunteers contributed more than 5,800 hours to supporting inclusive entrepreneurship in Colorado. As mentors and coaches, workshop facilitators, loan reviewers, and more, volunteers shared their expertise and passion to help entrepreneurs activate their potential at every stage of the journey.

We saw a 29% increase in the total number of hours volunteered from 2022 to 2023. As we worked to extend our reach last year, our volunteer community stepped up and made it possible for us to provide more programming to more entrepreneurs in more communities than ever before.

It’s difficult to measure the full impact of 5,800 hours of connection, encouragement, and support, but it is summed up well in the feedback we receive every cohort from RMMFI entrepreneurs:

“My mentor was extremely positive and uplifting, and he encouraged me to think big and have hope for all the possibilities of my company.”

“I loved my mentor team. They gave me confidence, assurance, and motivation on top of all the valuable ideas and feedback they provided.”

“I’ve had a lot of really big ideas in my life. This is probably the biggest and the hardest one to realize, but I’ve never felt more certain that it’s possible. When my business felt insurmountable, my mentors could help bring me back to a place where I believed in myself and what I want to do.”

Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time and talent to help entrepreneurs do great things for themselves, their businesses, and their communities. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, click here to learn about our many opportunities to get involved!