Ceyl Prinster

About Ceyl Prinster

As CEO of Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), I’ve had the privilege of helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses that strengthen our communities and drive economic opportunity.Over the years, I’ve led CEF’s growth from a small local lender into a statewide and nationally recognized force for inclusive economic development. Our mission is simple but powerful: remove barriers to capital so small business owners - especially those in underserved communities - can build wealth, create jobs, and contribute to Colorado’s vitality.A few highlights of what we have accomplished under my leadership:• Empowering entrepreneurs: Provided financing and support to more than 9,400 small businesses, helping fuel growth and resilience.• Driving economic impact: Deployed over $369 million in loans and grants, sustaining or creating jobs statewide.• Investing in communities: Led $210 million in New Markets Tax Credits financings to revitalize areas with the greatest need.• Growing capacity: Expanded CEF’s assets from to $78 million, with an active portfolio of more than 1,200 loans.• Building partnerships: Collaborated with more than 75 funders and investors, from federal and local agencies to major banks and private partners.• Delivering results: Maintained a 96% repayment rate, exceeding industry benchmarks, while offering over hours of business coaching and technical assistance.Along the way, CEF’s work has been recognized locally and nationally with honors such as the U.S. SBA Jody Raskind Lender of the Year, the Martin Luther King Social Impact Award, and the ColoradoBiz Top Company award. But what matters most is the difference we make every day for the people behind those businesses.Small businesses are at the heart of community prosperity. At the end of the day, what drives me is seeing people build something lasting - for their families, their employees, and their communities. That’s the real measure of success.

Experience

1. President and CEO

   Colorado Enterprise Fund

   Jan 1987 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   As CEO of Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), I’ve had the privilege of helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses that strengthen our communities and drive economic opportunity.Over the years, I’ve led CEF’s growth from a small local lender into a statewide and nationally recognized force for inclusive economic development. Our mission is simple but powerful: remove barriers to capital so small business owners - especially those in underserved communities - can build wealth, create jobs, and contribute to Colorado’s vitality.A few highlights of what we have accomplished under my leadership:• Empowering entrepreneurs: Provided financing and support to more than 9,400 small businesses, helping fuel growth and resilience.• Driving economic impact: Deployed over $369 million in loans and grants, sustaining or creating jobs statewide.• Investing in communities: Led $210 million in New Markets Tax Credits financings to revitalize areas with the greatest need.• Growing capacity: Expanded CEF’s assets from to $78 million, with an active portfolio of more than 1,200 loans.• Building partnerships: Collaborated with more than 75 funders and investors, from federal and local agencies to major banks and private partners.• Delivering results: Maintained a 96% repayment rate, exceeding industry benchmarks, while offering over hours of business coaching and technical assistance.Along the way, CEF’s work has been recognized locally and nationally with honors such as the U.S. SBA Jody Raskind Lender of the Year, the Martin Luther King Social Impact Award, and the ColoradoBiz Top Company award. But what matters most is the difference we make every day for the people behind those businesses.Small businesses are at the heart of community prosperity. At the end of the day, what drives me is seeing people build something lasting - for their families, their employees, and their communities. That’s the real measure of success.

Education

• Metropolitan State University of Denver

  Non-Degree Coursework in Business and Accounting

• Vanderbilt University

  Completed Coursework for Masters in Theology

• University of Notre Dame

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, English and Theology

Skills

• Commercial Lending
• Leadership Development
• Strategic Planning
• Program Management
• Public Speaking
• Banking
• Public Relations
• Business Strategy
• Fundraising
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Management
• Nonprofits
• Funding
• Financial Analysis
• Entrepreneurship
• Sustainability
• Finance
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Small Business
• Business Development
• Portfolio Management
• Loans
• Public Policy
• Non-Profits
• Economic Development
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Strategy
• International Development