First Southwest Bank • August 24, 2020
To date, First Southwest Bank has completed 785 Paycheck Protection Program loans to small businesses across Colorado. We're proud to be serving the small businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofits in Colorado during this time.
Thank you to the Community Development Bankers Association (CDBA) for sharing our impact with their community as well. See the full PDF here.

PPP Loans Originated
|
#
|
%
|
Loans in CDFI Investment Areas
|
300
|
38%
|
Loans in areas with Poverty Rate >15%
|
240
|
31%
|
Loans in areas with Unemployment >10%
|
571
|
73%
|
TOTAL PPP LOANS
|
785
|
PPP Success Story: Espinoza Consulting Services​
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Espinoza Consulting Services (ECS) is a minority- and woman-owned small business located in Conejos County, Colorado. A team of archeologists, biologists, and geologists, ECS has provided environmental consulting services for a decade. “I started my business on my kitchen table,” says CEO Dee Espinoza. That business has now grown to be among the largest commercial employers in the county.
Espinoza acknowledges that there are many challenges to running a business as a woman. “You do see that discrimination in the market-place not only with clients but also with lending institutions,” she says. “How do you get around that? Part of it is First Southwest Bank.” The community bank distinguishes itself in its attention to the needs of local businesses like hers.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted ECS’s operations, Espinoza turned to First Southwest Bank, which helped see her and her business through the crisis. First Southwest’s role as a financial first responder is just one example of the many ways in which community banks serve their customers’ needs.
Learn more about Espinoza Consulting Services here.