The
National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) has recognized
Colorado Lending Source with its Innovation in Economic Development Award. The Denver-based organization, was recognized for its use of the Ice House Entrepreneurship program to help train people to become entrepreneurs.
"This award is meant to be presented to an organization who has used innovative means in order to meet the economic development goals of a specific community or population," says Sally Roberston, NADCO chair. "This means that the winning organization created a new program, service, or delivery process that has never before been applied, which benefits underserved communities or populations."
Denver's Colorado Lending Source has a long history of supporting small businesses and startups across Colorado. focusses on underserved populations, including veterans, low-income and unemployed persons. It says that in 2014 alone it helped more than 200 small businesses. Those businesses that worked with the organization put nearly $275 million into Colorado's economy last year. Those companies also provided just shy of 2,000 jobs.
Colorado Lending Source has adopted the Ice House Entrepreneurship training program from the
Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI). The immersive, 10-week course focuses on eight aspects of creating a small business. They include recognizing opportunities, putting ideas into action, pursuing learning as well as the power of being persistent and others. The organization licenses the curriculum and course materials from ELI.
Contact Confluence Denver Innovation & Jobs News Editor Chris Meehan with tips and leads for future stories at chris@confluence-denver.com.
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