2025

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Waterbird Family Farm, Moffat, CO $15,000 - Final Pay 10/1/2029

The farm’s mission is to foster Indigenous food sovereignty and promote ecological restoration through regenerative ranching and farming practices. Their work centers on the stewardship of Native buffalo (bison) and Navajo-Churro sheep, alongside sustainable crop cultivation. The loan will be used to drill a well to bring water on-site, install livestock fencing, and purchase Navajo-Churro sheep to establish their herd.

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SQFT Market and Creamery, San Pablo, CO $25,000 - Final Pay 12/1/2029

The new loan will be used to improve marketing initiatives, such as a branding package and website.  In addition, the loan will be used to purchase tillage equipment and draft supply feed for sustainable, animal-powered farming.

SOL Mountain Farm, South Fork, CO $15,000 - Final Pay 12/1/2029
The loan will be used to purchase a dedicated farm truck essential for daily operations. The truck will be used for tasks such as hauling pigs to the butcher, transporting equipment, setting up for farmers' markets, and moving hay, straw, and grain. 

Rocky Mountain Garlic, Salida, CO $36,000 - 12/1/2029
 The loan will be used to support key infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing operational efficiency and modernizing the farm. Planned investments include equipment to enhance lettuce production, a mobile chicken coop, replacement of aging drip irrigation lines for better water efficiency, deer fencing to protect crops, and upgrades to the farm’s electrical system

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2024

Colorado Fresh Farms, Monte Vista, $20,000 - Final Pay 03/31/29

To help co-finance a large investment in a biomass boiler that would extend the growing season by several months and save money on propane.

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Mushroom Love Co, Buena Vista, CO $2,800 - Final Pay 08/15/26

Purpose of the loan—investment in a capacity- increasing production facility.

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Tumbleweed Bread, Del Norte, CO $25,000 - Final Pay 09/30/2029 & 04/30/2030

A two-part loan, with the first funding infrastructure in Tumbleweed’s wholesale operation, which supplies the region. The company is currently in the process of investing in its upcoming retail bakery in downtown Monte Vista, and the
new loan would be used for infrastructure—including oven, freezer, and fridge—to support
that.

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Pickle D's, Buena Vista, $3,000 - Final Pay 9/30/27

​The $3000 loan will cover the purchase of one pallet of jars, and renting a commercial
kitchen 1-2 times a month through the end of 2024. About 50 jars per day can be
produced. The remaining funds will be applied towards new equipment such as
pots, storage bins for food preparation, and transportation totes for the farmer’s
market. Other items to be considered for use of the funds are a logo tablecloth for
display at venues, logo jar openers to give with each product, and a new pH meter.

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Alpine Valley Mushrooms, Saguache, $6,500 - Final Pay 03/31/2030

 The new loan will be used for infrastructure—a pharmaceutical-grade freeze dryer
and substrate steamer—that would allow for a significant increase in volume production and
product selection.

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2023

Alpine Valley Mushrooms, Saguache, CO $1000 - PAID IN FULL

Owners Tylor and Danielle Berreth used the funds to take the necessary

courses and apply for USDA Organic Certification, which was granted in mid-

2023. The loan is paid in full.

 

Alpine Valley Mushrooms, Saguache, CO $2380 - PAID IN FULL

A new application was submitted in July 2023 for the purchase of larger pieces of

equipment to increase mushroom production. The owners are finding that there is an

endless market to sell the mushrooms.

 

SLV Apothecary, Alamosa, CO $2640 - PAID IN FULL

A new glass-front refrigerator will be purchased so the store can carry more local

products that need to stay cool for freshness. SLV Apothecary specializes in local

food products from suppliers throughout the South Central Region of Colorado.

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2022

Rocky Mountain Garlic, Salida, CO $2500 - PAID IN FULL

Construction of a larger onsite market was the top priority for this 2 nd loan

application. The new structure has greatly improved the income stream

throughout early Spring into late Fall. Tiffany and Mike offered a “Winter

CSA” for the first time in 2022. Tiffany can work full-time for the farm,

w/o having to hold a second, part-time job too. The production has doubled

since 2020.

 

Elements Mountain Compost, Salida, CO $10,000 - Final Pay 03/31/26

Julie Mach, owner, was just recently “entrepreneur of the year in Chaffee

County. A new, automated sifter was purchased with the loan, increasing

capacity and efficiency to turn food and agricultural waste into compost. The

number of customers (both who contribute material for compost and those

who purchase the finished compost) has more than doubled since 2020.

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2021

Badger Creek Ranch, Salida/Coaldale, CO $5000 - PAID IN FULL

A used tractor was purchased with the loan funds to minimize the manual labor

labor around the ranch and vegetable gardens. The owners, Chrissy and Dave

McFerran can supply much of their own produce to their guests

during the summer, who are staying at the ranch.

2020

Rocky Mountain Garlic, Salida, CO $5000 - PAID IN FULL

A “walk-in” for refrigeration was purchased with the funds, along with a

substantial “hoop” house to extend the growing season.​​