COLORADO · NAICS 624410
Colorado childcare center projects track the Front Range growth corridors from Fort Collins through Denver to Colorado Springs. Studies translate licensure capacity, enrollment ramp by age group, tuition rates, and staffing models into projections, and reconcile real estate and equipment structures against coverage under stress.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Childcare deals are projection-based; licensure capacity and enrollment ramp drive the model.
Colorado generated 266 SBA-disbursed childcare center loans between FY2010 and FY2026, worth $316.4 million in approved 7(a) and 504 financing at an average of $1.2 million per deal. Ranked #15 of 38 states for childcare center SBA volume, the state captures 3.2% of national childcare center dollars. 79.3% of the loans ran through 7(a) with 504 covering the remainder; 42 approvals have posted since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 266 |
| Approved volume | $316.4 million |
| Average loan size | $1.2 million |
| 7(a) share | 79.3% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 42 |
| State rank by loan count | #15 of 38 |
Among the 177 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 2.8% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for childcare center is 4.0%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs below the national benchmark for this asset class, a credit-positive signal for lenders.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 2.8% adverse-resolution rate below the national childcare center benchmark of 4.0% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Colorado projects in this class. Across 266 SBA loans averaging $1.2 million, that track record does not eliminate the need for a third-party feasibility study, but it means a rigorous study reinforces rather than defends the projections.
Every Colorado childcare centers project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Colorado projects most often pencil under SBA 504 because the 50/40/10 structure delivers up to 90 percent financing on owner-occupied real estate at a fixed debenture rate, decisive in a state where Front Range land costs run high. SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment, and from July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
Colorado childcare drew $30.8 million across just 16 calendar 2025 loans, among the largest average tickets in the state's book.
For a national view of this asset class, see our childcare center SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the childcare center lending research on our blog.
Compare neighboring markets: California, Connecticut, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
SBA 504 through B:Side Capital with NBH Bank
Childcare center, national program evidence
Colorado
SBA 504 through Capital CDC with VetLoan Advantage
Veteran-owned center retaining 29 jobs, national program evidence
The Woodlands, Montgomery County, Texas
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