October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022
The past year has been an unprecedented one for RMMFI. We served a record number of entrepreneurs in the Denver Metro Region, expanded to new communities across Colorado, hit an all-time $1 million lent, and brought on our first non-founder CEO, Jessisa Sveen.
Just as entrepreneurs must listen, learn, and innovate – so has RMMFI. In this report we share our results, key innovations, and impact over the past year. This impact is made possible because of you – our RMMFI community!
People are unstoppable forces. Life circumstances are real and sometimes overwhelming, yet they should not determine what we can do in the present or be in the future. We believe everyone should be free to make choices to activate the possible. RMMFI creates the space for communities and people of all backgrounds to realize their unique potential through the power of entrepreneurship.
RMMFI recognizes that in order to pursue our North Star we must approach our work and lead through a framework of racial, gender, and geographic equity. We know racial inequities and systemic barriers in education, access to capital, and access to opportunity have kept people of color and systemically marginalized communities out of mainstream access. We intentionally take part in conversations about structural racism as well as engage diverse voices in problem-solving, decision-making and issues of accessibility.
RMMFI supports resilient Coloradans who are ready for business ownership that have faced marginalization, societal barriers, or low-wage employment. RMMFI works with entrepreneurs from a variety of high-barrier backgrounds across locations, ages, and demographics which results in a diverse, welcoming community of entrepreneurs.
entrepreneurs to activate their dreams
the whole entrepreneur
on business foundations
through character-based capital
entrepreneurs to coaches and community
for inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems
Entrepreneurship serves as a tool for people to create and live a life on their own terms. By seeing a pathway to success and building strong foundations towards goals, engaging in entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to be their own boss, control their destiny, and be independent.
Entrepreneurs recognize their own potential and are empowered to define their personal and professional success
Entrepreneurs are achieving what they want in life and bringing their ideas to life
In the face of systems that say “wait” or “never” to ownership, microentrepreneurship provides economic mobility and opportunity to business owners and their households. From gaining access to business supports and capital to owning thriving and resilient businesses, entrepreneurs experience higher levels of financial independence and can make an impact on the next generation by leaving behind a legacy.
Entrepreneurs explore and ideate business concepts
Entrepreneurs launch and capitalize their business!
Entrepreneurs and their households experience economic inclusion and mobility through operating thriving, resilient businesses
Inclusive microentrepreneurship uplifts the freedom and autonomy of communities on their terms. When entrepreneurs take the initiative to work on their own dreams and are surrounded by a community of support, they become local leaders who also want to support and make a difference in their community.
Entrepreneurs take the initiative to work on their dreams and build community with other entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs develop meaningful connections to coaches, customers, and community
Entrepreneurs invest in their communities as owners and local leaders
across 4 sites
Business Launch Boot Camp graduates this year
Business Launch Boot Camp graduates all time
volunteered
Our team and partners helped entrepreneurs activate their potential and fulfill their dreams by investing in the person behind the business. Key partnerships this past year included Rural Women-Led Business Fund / First Southwest Community Fund, Re:Vision, and the Second Chance Center. From supporting entrepreneurs in building strong foundations towards goals to charting a pathway to success, we supported 305 entrepreneurs on their leadership journey.
Business Launch Boot Camp Graduate
Business Launch Boot Camp Graduate
Business Launch Boot Camp Graduate
The impact of the past 2.5 years on the small business community created the need for RMMFI to rethink capital deployment methods and meet our entrepreneurial community where they are. From adapting our capital products to strengthening our Thrive phase programming, we supported entrepreneurs on their journey to own thriving and resilient businesses. A key milestone from this past year was lending our 1 millionth dollar!
entrepreneurs took out their second, third, or fourth loans with RMMFI last year
We believe in the power of our entrepreneurial community. From being equipped with a community of support to reinvesting locally as business leaders, entrepreneurs help advance a vision for thriving local communities. This past year, we doubled down on our commitment to ensuring all members of our community have equitable opportunities to activate their potential by engaging in statewide advocacy and publishing a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement of Commitment to our community.
OF ENTREPRENEURS OF WERE INVOLVED IN LEADERSHIP ROLES OUTSIDE THEIR BUSINESS OVER THE PAST YEAR
In the past year
RMMFI mentors contributed on average
Business Launch Boot Camp Graduate
Business Launch Boot Camp Graduate
Business Launch Boot Camp Graduate
The information shown above represents FY21-22 unaudited consolidated financial information for Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute.
Photos by Friends & Lovers Photography, Anthony Camera Photography, and Dressel-Martin MediaWorks.
