CEDS Finance
CEDS Finance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CDFI and SBA Lender in Aurora, Colorado, providing $15K-$100K small business loans and Islamic-compliant Murabaha financing to immigrant, refugee, Muslim, BIPOC, and low-income entrepreneurs across Colorado.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersAurora, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What CEDS Finance does
CEDS Finance (Community Enterprise Development Services) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA Lender headquartered in Aurora, Colorado. Founded in 2009, the organization provides small business financing of $15,000-$100,000 to underserved entrepreneurs, including immigrants, refugees, low-income business owners, and BIPOC-owned businesses. With a stated staff of approximately 15-20 employees who collectively speak 16 languages, CEDS Finance is the only Islamic-compliant lender in Colorado and the sole CDFI located in Aurora, serving Metro Denver, Weld County, and Morgan County with Murabaha financing available statewide.
CEDS Finance operates a tiered lending product suite comprising Spark (up to $15,000, no collateral or owner's equity), Elevate (up to $50,000 collateral-free with up to 10-year terms), and Amplify (up to $100,000 with collateral), alongside a Murabaha Islamic-compliant financing structure and a small business debt consolidation product (up to $100,000 at 10%-14% cost of capital). Its core underwriting technology is a character-based model that assesses an entrepreneur's experience, business model, and commitment rather than relying solely on credit scores and collateral. The organization combines this lending with free technical assistance, coaching (3,252 hours provided in FY25), and a Marketing Strategy & Support Program delivered in 16 languages, with 57 referral partners driving top-of-funnel acquisition.
CEDS Finance's revenue is generated through a hybrid model combining interest and fee income on its $5.7M active loan portfolio with grants and donations from foundations, government entities, and corporate investors. FY25 disclosed revenue was $1.5M with total expenses of $2.5M, producing a net loss of ($970K) attributable to grant recognition timing; $1.1M in grant award letters were received after fiscal year-end and will be recognized in FY26. The organization distributed $3.5M across 108 loans in FY25 at a 0.25% net charge-off rate and 98% client business survival rate. Since inception, CEDS Finance has deployed $17.2M across 746 loans, supported 603 businesses and 1,473 jobs created or retained.
CEDS Finance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CEDS Finance
- Legal name
- Community Enterprise Development Services
- Website
- https://cedsfinance.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CEDS Finance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CDFI and SBA Lender in Aurora, Colorado, providing $15K-$100K small business loans and Islamic-compliant Murabaha financing to immigrant, refugee, Muslim, BIPOC, and low-income entrepreneurs across Colorado.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CEDS Finance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Development Small Business Lending
- NAICS
- Finance and Insurance (52), Sales Financing (52222)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution (6159), Finance Services (6199)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Islamic Corporate Banking (FSABAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) & Revenue-Based Financing (FSAKAGAD)
Keywords
Where CEDS Finance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Aurora
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CEDS Finance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Interest-Based Small Business Loans: Traditional interest-bearing loans providing financing up to $100,000 for startups and existing businesses in the Denver metro area. Fixed interest rates with flexible terms.
- Murabaha Financing (Islamic-Compliant): Islamic-compliant debt financing where no interest is charged; borrowers pay a fee in lieu of interest in addition to principal. Available statewide in Colorado. In FY25, 50% of all dollars deployed were invested as Islamic-compliant debt.
- Grants and Donations: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CDFI, CEDS Finance relies on grants and donations from foundations, government entities, and individual donors to support operations and expand lending capacity.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Spark - Up to $15,000 for new business ideas |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Elevate - Up to $50,000 collateral-free |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Amplify - Up to $100,000 for business growth |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Debt Consolidation - Up to $100,000 refinancing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
CEDS Finance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CEDS Finance is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution that provides small business loans up to $100,000, Islamic-compliant Murabaha financing up to $100,000, and small business debt consolidation loans to underserved entrepreneurs in Colorado. It supplements its capital products with free one-on-one business coaching, workshops, and technical assistance delivered in 16 languages to immigrant, refugee, BIPOC, Muslim, and low-income small business owners.
Product overview
CEDS Finance offers a tiered portfolio of three core loan products (Spark, Elevate, and Amplify) providing financing from $15,000 to $100,000, alongside specialized Islamic-compliant Murabaha financing and small business debt consolidation services. All products can be structured as either conventional interest-based loans or Sharia-compliant murabahas. The organization also provides free business support services including workshops, one-on-one coaching, and a Marketing Strategy & Support Program, creating a comprehensive ecosystem supporting underserved entrepreneurs from startup through growth stages.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Spark Small Business Loan A small business loan for entrepreneurs testing a new business idea and building credit history, providing up to $15,000 with no collateral or owner's equity required, minimal documentation, and a faster underwriting and closing process. Targeted at startup and very early-stage entrepreneurs in Colorado, including those without established credit.
- Elevate Small Business Loan A collateral-free small business loan product providing up to $50,000 with up to 10-year terms, no minimum credit score, and owner's equity required, designed for entrepreneurs who lack collateral or strong credit but have an operating business. Positioned as the largest non-collateralized small business debt product in Colorado.
- Amplify Small Business Loan A growth-financing product providing up to $100,000 with collateral required, fixed interest rates, and flexible terms, for entrepreneurs starting or growing existing businesses needing larger capital.
- Murabaha Islamic-Compliant Financing An Islamic-compliant, Sharia-adherent debt financing structure where no interest is charged; instead, borrowers pay a fee in lieu of interest in addition to the principal. Developed in consultation with Islamic scholars, local imams, and clients, and offered statewide in Colorado by the only Islamic-compliant lender in Colorado. In FY25, 50% of all dollars deployed were invested as Islamic-compliant debt, totaling $1.7 million.
- Small Business Debt Consolidation A refinancing and debt consolidation service for small business owners seeking to replace high-cost debt from credit cards, merchant cash advances, and short-term online loans with more manageable financing. Provides loans or Sharia-compliant Murabaha options up to $100,000 with a 10%-14% cost of capital, designed to lower the cost and improve the structure of existing business debt.
- Free Business Technical Assistance and Coaching A free wraparound support offering covering business coaching, workshops, accounting assistance, marketing support, and business compliance resources delivered by CEDS Finance staff in 16 languages to small business owners in Colorado. CEDS Finance recorded 3,252 hours of business coaching in FY25 and partners with organizations such as Denver SCORE on access-to-capital and credit-building workshops.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% of clients remain in business (vs 75% of Colorado startups)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use CEDS Finance
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
CEDS Finance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
CEDS Finance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and top referral partner.
- Islamic Outreach Center of ColoradocoreKey partner connecting Muslim entrepreneurs to Colorado's only Islamic-compliant lender. Their partnership has helped serve a community that has long sought faith-aligned financing options.
- Denver SCOREtop referral partnerTop Training Partner providing expert mentorship and training that prepares entrepreneurs for success. Volunteers offer critical business planning support.
- Colorado Small Business Development Center (Colorado SBDC)top referral partnerTop Referral Partner consistently connecting qualified entrepreneurs to CEDS Finance's flexible financing options.
- Mi Casa Resource Centertop referral partnerTop Referral Partner supporting entrepreneurs through all stages of business development with bilingual consulting and training.
- Adelante Community DevelopmentcoreReferral partner connecting entrepreneurs to CEDS Finance. Jorge Aburto serves on CEDS Board of Directors as Director of Entrepreneurship.
- Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC)top referral partnerTop Referral Partner in the Montbello community, connecting local entrepreneurs to CEDS Finance services.
- Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO)top referral partnerTop Referral Partner providing resources, co-working space, and financing support to small businesses in Denver.
- Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI)coreInvestor and referral partner. RMMFI creates space for communities to realize their potential through entrepreneurship with extensive boot camps and support programs.
Scale indicators19 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
CEDS Finance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Grameen America: Grameen America is a nonprofit microfinance organization providing small business loans to low-income women, with a heavy focus on immigrants and communities of color. It is directly comparable to CEDS Finance in mission, micro/small business lending model, and target demographic.
- LiftFund: LiftFund is a CDFI providing small business loans and business coaching to underserved entrepreneurs, including minority, immigrant, and women-owned businesses across Texas and the Southeast. Directly comparable to CEDS Finance in CDFI status, small-dollar lending range, and capital-plus-coaching model.
- Accion U.S. Accion is a nonprofit small business lender serving underserved entrepreneurs, particularly immigrants, women, and minorities, with loans typically under $100K and bundled technical assistance. Closely mirrors CEDS Finance's target market, loan size, and integrated support model.
- CDC Small Business Finance: CDC Small Business Finance is a California-based CDFI providing SBA-guaranteed loans and conventional small business loans to underserved borrowers, including minorities and women. Comparable to CEDS Finance in CDFI certification, SBA lender status, and small business lending focus.
- Justine PETERSEN: Justine PETERSEN is a St. Louis-based CDFI providing small business loans, housing counseling, and financial coaching to low-income and minority entrepreneurs. Directly comparable to CEDS Finance in CDFI structure, mission-driven lending, and integrated capital-plus-coaching delivery.
- Main Street Launch: Main Street Launch is a Bay Area CDFI offering small business loans, coaching, and incubation to underserved entrepreneurs including immigrants, women, and people of color. Comparable to CEDS Finance in CDFI mission, micro-to-$100K loan range, and bilingual/multilingual support.
- Pathway Lending: Pathway Lending is a Tennessee-based CDFI providing small business loans, SBA loans, and business advisory services to underserved entrepreneurs in rural and urban communities. Comparable in CDFI structure, SBA lending, and small business focus on underbanked populations.
Emerging players
- Devon Bank: Devon Bank is a Chicago community bank that operates one of the most prominent US Islamic finance windows, offering Sharia-compliant home financing. Partial overlap with CEDS Finance on the Islamic-compliant finance dimension but focuses on residential rather than small business lending.
- University Bank: University Bank (Michigan) runs a recognized Islamic finance division offering Sharia-compliant consumer and small business products. Comparable to CEDS Finance on the Islamic-compliant finance niche, but operates as a chartered bank rather than a nonprofit CDFI.
Others
- Opportunity Finance Network: Opportunity Finance Network is the national CDFI membership and capacity-building organization, providing capital, advocacy, and training to member CDFIs including CEDS Finance. Not a direct competitor but a key ecosystem/infrastructure player relevant to CEDS's positioning.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CEDS Finance social profiles
Digital presenceCEDS Finance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CEDS Finance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles19 records
CEDS Finance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CEDS Finance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CEDS Finance
What does CEDS Finance do?
CEDS Finance is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution that provides small business loans up to $100,000, Islamic-compliant Murabaha financing up to $100,000, and small business debt consolidation loans to underserved entrepreneurs in Colorado. It supplements its capital products with free one-on-one business coaching, workshops, and technical assistance delivered in 16 languages to immigrant, refugee, BIPOC, Muslim, and low-income small business owners.
Is CEDS Finance a public or private company?
CEDS Finance is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CEDS Finance founded?
CEDS Finance was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is CEDS Finance based?
CEDS Finance is headquartered in Aurora, United States, in the North America region.
How does CEDS Finance make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Interest-Based Small Business Loans are the primary driver. The others are murabaha Financing (Islamic-Compliant) and grants and Donations.
Who are CEDS Finance's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Grameen America, LiftFund, Accion U.S., CDC Small Business Finance, Justine PETERSEN, Main Street Launch and Pathway Lending. Emerging players are Devon Bank and University Bank. Opportunity Finance Network is listed as an others.
Does CEDS Finance have an API?
No public API is recorded for CEDS Finance.
What industry is CEDS Finance in?
CEDS Finance's product category is Community Development Small Business Lending. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSABAGAC, Islamic Corporate Banking, with a secondary code of FSAKAGAD, Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) & Revenue-Based Financing. Its NAICS code is 52 and its SIC code is 6159.