Join the Startup Colorado Community for our quarterly Lean Coffee online series (register here)—an interactive networking discussion that’s tailored to entrepreneurs from all industries. Each quarter, we are featuring a co-host from the funding world. These representatives will kick things off by explaining how specific funding programs work and answering your questions in real time.

This month we’ll be joined by Juan Carlos Rosales de la Garza from CEDS Finance. Juan is a Senior Investment Officer at CEDS Finance, a nonprofit CDFI and SBA-certified lender in the Denver metro area, where he leads small-business lending and credit analysis focused on underserved and low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Texas, with prior experience in mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and risk assessment within international companies. He applies this global and analytical background to mission-driven lending, combining responsible capital deployment with financial education and technical assistance to support business sustainability, job creation, and equitable access to capital.

A note from Juan: Debt and equity topics can feel overwhelming, so helping founders know what to ask makes a big difference. The most common questions I usually hear fall around readiness and what funders/investors actually look for. In very simple terms, one thing we can help clarify is that equity investors are usually looking for long-term growth and future profits, and they don’t expect repayment right away. Debt financing is different—lenders focus more on current cash flow and the ability to start making payments right away.

Not sure how Juan can help you and your business, here are some questions to consider or ask Juan on the call!:

• How do I know if my business is ready for a loan or an investor?
• What do lenders look at when deciding whether to approve a loan?
• What do investors look for before putting money into a business?
• What’s the real difference between equity investment and debt financing?
• When does it make more sense to take on debt instead of giving up ownership?
• What numbers should I have a handle on before talking to a lender or investor?

The format of Lean Coffee is simple:

• 20-minute workshop from our co-host about funding strategy and resources
• 10 minutes for Q/A so you can get feedback
• Breakout Room with other community members to connect and share ideas
• You suggest the topics, and we’ll cover a couple of impromptu business subjects (AI, Digital Marketing, you name it!)

Whether you’re looking for funding, seeking advice, or just eager to connect with fellow entrepreneurs across the state, Lean Coffee is the perfect place to engage, learn, and grow. Join us to meet like-minded founders and tackle the topics that matter most to your business.

Please register through Zoom: linked here.