Join us for an insightful funding panel, where local lenders will share various small business loan programs to help grow your business. Whether you're a startup looking for initial capital or an established business seeking expansion funds, this event will provide you with practical tips and funding options. Don't miss this chance to connect with small business lenders to gain the knowledge you need to take your business to the next level. The event will end with audience Q&A.
Marie Peters | Fund Director, B:Side
As our Fund Director, Marie manages our microloan program within our sister organization, B:Side Fund, that is designed to assist underserved small businesses and promote job creation. She is also responsible for strategic partnerships to scale the program with the help of private sector lenders, government agencies, foundations, and local community development organizations. Her infectious passion for our mission to foster the economic growth of diverse small businesses permeates our organization and we are lucky to have her on the team since 2012.
Alan Ramirez | Director of Strategic Lending, Colorado Enterprise Fund
Alan Ramirez is Director of Strategic Lending for Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) and has been with CEF since 2007. Alan is responsible for overseeing CEF’s loan production team and strategy for Colorado. Alan consults with potential applicants about their business plans, performs credit analysis and loan underwriting, along with ongoing business advisory services to borrowers. His bilingual skills in English and Spanish are an asset in serving many of CEF’s minority-owned businesses.
Alan was appointed to the Community Development Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve in Kansas City in 2022. His role allows him to represent fellow Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and have a voice for small business entrepreneurs.
Meghan Rauker | Community Engagement Officer, DreamSpring
Raised in Idaho and now based in Colorado, Meghan Rauker (she/they) is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners. They have nearly a decade of experience managing statewide entrepreneurship programming, grant writing, and navigating the changing fundraising landscape. Outside her work supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Colorado, Meghan can be found at the Sie Film Center enjoying films from around the world.
Ryan Flanders | Director of Lending and Capital Systems, Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute
Ryan Flanders is the Director of Lending and Capital Systems for Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute in Denver, CO. Prior to RMMFI, Ryan was the Lending Team and Partnerships Manager for Accion (now DreamSpring), and worked with human services agencies, NGOs, and businesses in Colorado, Chile, and Spain. He is passionate about changing systems and fostering connections to increase access to social and economic opportunity for underserved communities. Ryan holds an MA in International Development Cooperation from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, and a BA in International Affairs and Spanish from CU Boulder.