01. About

Bringing down barriers.

The future of food in our state depends on a strong agricultural industry. Our hope is to make it possible for hard-working people to create a thriving farming business for themselves, their families, and all of Colorado.

02. Details

Get financing for your ag business through our revolving loan fund.

The cost of starting or operating a farm can be an impossible hurdle to overcome, keeping many people out of the business who have the skills, experience, and drive, but not the up-front capital that it takes. The CAFL program makes securing financing more accessible for more people. Apply today and be first in line to receive funds as they become available.

Get Started

Your passion.
Your drive.
Our support.

Many of us don’t fit the profile that conventional lenders use to make their decisions. And conventional lenders don’t have the flexibility to work with individual situations. We do. We believe it’s vital to bring diversity to Colorado’s agriculture industry and we want to invite people in by making ag more accessible and financially inclusive — even if you’ve been turned down by other banks before.

03. Who we are

Meet the Colorado Department of Agriculture team

Meet Kate

Kate Greenberg

Commissioner of Agriculture

Meet Brian

Brian Coppom

CAFL Program Manager

Meet Jodi

Jodi Walder

CAFL Program Coordinator

Meet our lending partner, First Southwest Bank, and their team

Meet Sherry

Sherry Waner

Chief Development Officer and Financial Empowerment Council Member (FSWB)

Meet Katy

Katy Dickey

Ag Lending Specialist (FSWB)

Meet Azarel

Azarel Madrigal

Executive Director, First Southwest Community Fund (FSWCF)

04. How we’re different

A new kind of loan program For a new generation.

The CAFL Program is for real people looking to grow a real business. Here’s how the CAFL Program is different:

We’re about the future

We envision future farmers who are diverse, innovative, and who create more food security in Colorado.

We’re not traditional

We believe being able to pay back a loan depends on more than finances. We ask, is it an innovative idea? Do you work hard? Can we see your potential? And other unconventional questions.

We encourage diversity

We want farming in Colorado to be more inclusive. No matter your background or current situation, you have equal opportunity.

We have a community to support you

We partner with local organizations to provide not only financing, but education and guidance too.

Bringing down barriers.

Get financing for your ag business through our revolving loan fund.

Your passion. Your drive. Our support.

Meet the Colorado Department of Agriculture team

Meet our lending partner, First Southwest Bank, and their team

A new kind of loan program For a new generation.

Your passion.
Your drive.
Our support.