Loan Program Overview
“We needed a bridge loan—and we needed it fast. We went back to our original lender several times, but they couldn’t make the deal happen. With GCF’s quick turnaround and flexible financing, we met our closing deadline and are now moving our business downtown, just as we’ve always dreamed.
We don’t know another town where this could happen.”
Carrie Lamb & Wes Ganter
Golden Pilates & PT Team
Investing in the Heart of Golden
GCF believes that when local businesses thrive, the whole community is transformed for the better. Our Business Loan Program supports the small, local businesses that give our town its one-of-a-kind character.
Our loan program was founded through the generosity of the Foss family, whose belief in Golden's independent spirit lives on in every business we support. In 2025 alone, six Golden businesses —five of them right downtown—received more than $1.3 million in GCF small business loans. These are locally owned businesses run by people of good character, deeply rooted in civic life and committed to giving back. Exactly the kind of entrepreneurs Golden is built on.
When you stroll through downtown, the shops, restaurants, and gathering spots you love didn't get there by accident. Many of them were supported by a GCF loan—flexible, below-market-rate financing that gave a local entrepreneur the foothold they needed when conventional lenders couldn't help.
If Your Business Eligible?
GCF loans are designed for Golden businesses that are ready to grow and are committed to our community. To be eligible for our Business Loan Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Located in Golden, CO: The business or nonprofit must be based and operating in Golden.
2. Owner investment: Applicants must have invested personal equity and collateral into the venture.
3. Exhausted traditional financing: Applicants must have first pursued conventional funding sources, such as bank financing.
A few additional guidelines: loan funds must advance GCF's charitable mission and benefit the Golden community. GCF does not make loans to organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation or participate in political campaigns.
GCF is proud to work alongside Golden's most innovative, community-minded entrepreneurs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We'd love to hear about your vision for Golden. Reach out to us at (303) 279-9169 to learn more about our Business Loan Program. Preview the Loan Application below.
“Golden Civic Foundation has been an amazing advocate for me as a small business owner. They stepped up during covid and were able to provide much needed support! In addition, their small business loans are flexible and easy to access. There really are not very many lending resources for small business owners and to know that we have a local resource has been such a gift. In addition, I am always willing to support the Golden Civic Foundation because I know that my donations will go right back into the city that I love!”
Jennifer Thoemke
Chief Connector & Creator, Connect Workspace, Morris & Mae, Cafe 13, Golden Cupcakes