As a Community Development Financial Institution, for more than 10 years RMMFI has served Denver's under-resourced entrepreneurs with business development, personal capacity-building, and lending. RMMFI uses business ownership as a tool for socioeconomic mobility.
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The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI) is a Community creating economic and social mobility though entrepreneurship; we help curious people transform into serious entrepreneurs through personal, business, and financial investments.
RMMFI was founded in August 2008 on the brink of an economic downturn that would see unemployment rates in Colorado exceed 7% with hundreds of local entrepreneurs unable to access resources and support from mainstream business and financial providers. RMMFI was created to provide economic and social mobility for underserved individuals through business ownership. The original vision for RMMFI was a mix of simple, effective business development support with flexible microloans to help entrepreneurs create a workable business model and access much needed start-up captial. In the nine years since its founding, RMMFI has grown into the leading business development provider for low-income entrepreneurs in the Denver Metro Area. Through mentorship, education, and technical assistance, RMMFI's comprehensive programming grows healthy local businesses by creating healthy businesses owners. With this commitment to serving the "Whole Entrepreneur", RMMFI Entrepreneurs are given the support necessary to create stability in both their business and personal lives, ultimately building sustainable, income-generating businesses for themselves, their households, and their communities.
RMMFI is first and foremost a Community inspired by and built upon RMMFI Entrepreneurs. The social and economic impact of entrepreneurship is best told through the stories of a few of our Entrepreneurs:
Patrick Efferson, Owner of Exclusive Cuts:
Patrick graduated from Class # 16 of the Business Launch Boot Camp in July 2016 where he successfully relaunched his barber shop, Exclusive Cuts. Patrick had been running Exclusive Cuts for six years prior to getting involved at RMMFI. Through the Boot Camp, Patrick learned how to step back from the barber shop grind (working 'in' the business) and effectively manage a shop which employees two other barbers and has an ever revolving door of customers (working 'on' the business). Patrick received a $2,500 loan from RMMFI to redesign and update the look and feel of business and his physical location He now has a new logo, new signage, and reupholstered barber chairs to make the shop look sleek and fresh. Exclusive Cuts is located at 2874 Colorado Blvd. Denver CO 80207.
Michelle Garcia, Owner of Heirloom Catering:
Michelle Garcia launched Heirloom Catering when she graduated from Boot Camp Class #8 in December 2013. Michelle is passionate about food, where it comes from, and the power it has to create community. RMMFI helped Michelle transfrom her dream to start her a catering business into a reality. Heirloom Catering strives to 'bring communities together one dinner table at a time'. Michelle experienced tremendous growth in the Boot Camp and struggled at first to understand the many responsibilities of a business owner outside of cooking. She relied on the help of her mentors to craft a plan that called for quick growth and launched with excitement. She utilized her loan to pay for much needed marketing materials and equipment to grow her capacity to cater large events. Fast forward 4 years, Heirloom Catering continues to cater business meetings, non-profit events, weddings, dinner parties, and corporate events. In Michelle's words: "I quit my day-job! I have never felt so good about a decision such as that!"
Jessica Moore, Owner/Artist of Simple & Sylvan:
Jessica graduated from Class #16 of the Business Launch Boot Camp in July 2016 with a pivot in her original business plan. A graphic designer by trade and experience, Jessica decided to learn the art of laser wood cutting and launch a business selling mountain, wilderness, and cityscape designs. She blended her love of the outdoors with her design talent and has found quite the niche in the Denver gift market. Jessica took received a $2,500 loan which she utilized for market booth fees, manufacturing, and inventory. During the Denver Holiday Flea Market, Jessica sold over $2,500 of merchandise in three days! Find Jessica at Hope Tank on South Broadway and the I Heart Denver Store. Her website is: https://graphicdesignandmoore.myportfolio.com/
