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Recent News

Check out what's happening at First Southwest Bank

2024 National Small Business Week
04/25/2024

SBA Colorado’s Rural Lender of the Year for 2024

Recognition from the Small Business Administration highlights the bank's dedication to fostering economic growth in rural Colorado.


View of the Colorado mountains through an Aspen grove
10/13/2023

Our green energy programs are a win-win

This program adds to our suite of green energy financing options that are friendly to people and the planet, supporting environmental initiatives such as solar and energy efficiency projects, electric vehicle purchases and now e-bike purchases.

Leadership Alamosa event
01/31/2023

FSWB and FSWCF Employees Graduate from Inaugural Leadership Alamosa Program

Congratulations to the 16 graduates of the inaugural Leadership Alamosa program…




Eric Guttormson
12/14/2023

Welcome Eric Guttormson, Sr. Lending Officer

Eric will be responsible for providing strategic direction for the Lending Department, while also ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

Tesla Charging Station in Alamosa
01/18/2024

FSWB Alamosa Branch installs first Tesla superchargers in San luis valley

Superchargers bring convenience to Tesla travelers in the San Luis Valley.

Yuri Cendejas headshot
03/23/2023

Yuri Cendejas Promoted to Regional Branch Manager

First Southwest Bank (FSWB) is excited to announce Yuri Cendejas' promotion to Regional Branch Manager based in Alamosa…







Melissa Clark and Katy Dickey
01/10/2024

Fswb’s Melissa Clark and Katy Dickey Graduate from Leadership Alamosa Program

The Leadership Alamosa program cultivates and develops strong, confident, and collaborative leaders in our community.

Kristy Esquibel headshot
05/25/2023

Kristy Esquibel Appointed as Chief Credit Officer, EVP

An experienced banking professional, Ms. Esquibel will be responsible for managing FSWB’s credit quality and policy, overseeing consumer and commercial underwriting, loan operations, and special assets.

Woman on phone at computer
02/14/2024

New Reporting Due for Business Owners

Business owners, did you know that as of January 1, 2024, many businesses must now report information about the individuals that own or control the company?
 
Find out what you need to do.




FSWB team at the 11th Annual Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference
05/10/2023

INVEsting in Our Region’s Business Community

First Southwest Bank was proud to serve as title sponsor at the 11th Annual Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference, hosted by the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center,

West Slope Startup Week
08/21/2023

Fueling Entrepreneurial Spirit in Western and Rural Colorado

First Southwest Bank (FSWB) is proud to sponsor West Slope Startup Week (WSSW), August 21-25 in Durango, CO. 

WSSW is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in rural Colorado.


Joseph Garcia
08/28/2023

fswb's joseph garcia earns prestigious banking diploma

Joseph Garcia, Controller, Sr. Vice President of First Southwest Bank, has graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado’s state-of-the-art graduate school of banking program.

Financial Inclusion Summit 2023
08/03/2023

Building a More Inclusive and Equitable Banking System in Colorado

First Southwest Bank (FSWB) recently participated in an important dialogue around financial inclusion in Colorado. Sherry Waner, FSWB Chief Development Officer, attended the Bank On Colorado Financial Inclusion Summit hosted by the Colorado Office of Financial Empowerment on July 25th in Denver. 


Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture (WASDA) Annual Conference
08/02/2023

Celebrating and Supporting Colorado’s Agriculture Industry thru Partnerships

First Southwest Bank (FSWB) was proud to sponsor the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture (WASDA) Annual Conference, hosted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), July 23-26 in Denver, CO.



2023 Impact Report for FSWB and FSWCF
04/18/2024

FSWCF and FSWB Release 2023 Impact Report

The First Southwest Community Fund (FSWCF), in collaboration with First Southwest Bank (FSWB), announced the release of their 2023 Impact Report.



Field with yellow flowers, and building and mountains in the distance
06/27/2024

If community is important to you, then choose FSWB.

First Southwest Bank is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a certification earned from the US Treasury that holds us responsible for providing access to banking and capital for all members of our communities. When you bank at a CDFI, you contribute to the revitalization and improvement of your community. Your deposits are used to provide microloans, small business loans, and other financial products designed to support economic development and entrepreneurship.




Axis Health
05/15/2024

axis health system, Durango

Axis is an integrated community-based healthcare organization providing a comprehensive array of services for the people of southwest Colorado.

Read More

Westside Mobile Home Park
11/13/2024

Providing Solutions for Affordable Housing

In 2022, Durango, Colorado’s Westside Mobile Home Park residents learned their park was for sale and worried they would face exorbitant rent increases or be displaced.

Read More

House for Rent sign in yard
11/07/2024

Workforce Rental Assistance Micro-Loan Program

Helping La Plata County Renters with Upfront Housing Costs
 
West Slope Startup Week
08/21/2023

FUELING ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN WESTERN AND RURAL COLORADO

First Southwest Bank (FSWB) is proud to sponsor West Slope Startup Week (WSSW), August 21-25 in Durango, CO. 

WSSW is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in rural Colorado.








































Hoffman Family
06/23/2024

Hoffman Farms, Greeley

As a third-generation farmer, Hanmei Hoffman moved to the United States and started Hoffman Farms.

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Fitch Ranch Family
06/18/2024

Fitch Ranch Real Estate Holding, LLC, Craig

After purchasing a USDA-inspected meat processing plant, Deborah Fitch finished the process for the facility to become a Certified Angus Beef Processing Plant.

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Kristy and Brandon Schofield
06/09/2024

Schofield Homestead, Monte Vista

On their property, Kristy and Brandon offer a Homestead Days children’s camp, farm stays and tours, classes, and more.

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Secret Creek Group
06/02/2024

Secret Creek Group, Montrose

Secret Creek group builds yurts, tipis, and destination tents.

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Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center
05/24/2024

Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center, Ignacio

Dancing Spirit is a community arts center that enhances creativity and fellowship; promotes the education, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts; and celebrates the local cultural heritage.

Read More








Chinook Medical Gear

innovative capital solutions

FSWB provides innovative capital solutions for employees to purchase their local Durango business.

White Rock Specialties potato processing

local farms launch package company with help from fswb

FSWB walked the founders through the startup process, including acquiring and repurposing an old school building, retrofitting the space with equipment, expanding the utility capacity, and more. 

Papa Murphy's in Alamosa

Financing for a start-up franchise

SBA loan ensures local entrepreneur has the capital needed to start a successful franchise.

A picture of what was once Ernie’s Conoco Triangle

Small Business Loan

FSWB Small Business Loan helps launch local watering hole.

Animas Chocolate Company

financing local business expansion

SBA Express loan allows local business to expand operations and hire additional staff.

Multiple potatoes harvested

making the impossible possible

FSWB steps in when securing capital seemed impossible for this SLV business.

Desert Sun Coffee Roasters logo

mentorship for small business owner

FSWB works with local entrepreneur to purchase small business. 

Riff Raff Brewing Company

turning dreams into reality

Capital and technical assistance from FSWB turns a dream into reality for this successful Pagosa Springs business.

Picture of a pup looking into the camera on a pink background

Funding for Success

Funding provides a very important source of capital at a crucial time in company's development.

Sorting recycling at a facility

Fueling innovation

Providing resources to fuel innovation for local businesses.

A kayaker in the Grand Canyon

A need drives innovation

Mother-son entrepreneurs transform the packraft industry.



Customer using her laptop for online banking
04/18/2023

First Southwest Bank offers financial education resources through CentSai

Through articles, videos and step-by-step instructions, CentSai makes planning and managing finances easy and less intimidating.