COLORADO · NAICS 531130
Colorado self-storage projects pencil on supply analysis within a three to five mile radius, absorption pace, and rent benchmarks, with Denver structurally under-stored and Colorado Springs among the most supplied metros in the country. Studies translate competitor square footage per capita, climate-controlled mix, and rent trends into projections, and reconcile site economics against ramp and refinance.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Self-storage is special-purpose under SOP 50 10 8; studies analyze supply within a three to five mile radius, absorption, and rent benchmarks against a defined trade area.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 70 7(a) and 504 loans for self-storage projects in Colorado, totaling $112.2 million in approved financing at an average of $1.6 million per loan. Colorado ranks #16 of 38 states tracked for self-storage SBA lending volume and accounts for 3.2% of national self-storage SBA dollar volume. 62.9% of these loans were made under the 7(a) program, the remainder under 504. 10 loans have been approved since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 70 |
| Approved volume | $112.2 million |
| Average loan size | $1.6 million |
| 7(a) share | 62.9% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 10 |
| State rank by loan count | #16 of 38 |
Among the 56 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 1.8% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for self-storage is 1.1%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 1.8% adverse-resolution rate against the national self-storage benchmark of 1.1% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Colorado deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $1.6 million across 70 loans.
Every Colorado self-storage 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's supply picture is split: Denver runs 3.5 square feet per resident across 86 facilities, below the national average and structurally under-stored, while Colorado Springs runs 11.3 square feet across 116 facilities, among the most supplied metros in the country, which makes radius-level supply analysis the entire Colorado storage question; Live Oak's national vertical closed $111.7 million in calendar 2025.
For a national view of this asset class, see our self-storage SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the self-storage lending research on our blog. The SBA self-storage feasibility study tests pipeline supply, verified competitor occupancy and the monthly lease-up reserve.
Compare neighboring markets: California, Connecticut, Texas.
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a MeetingOur SBA feasibility study consultants prepare storage and vehicle storage studies for lenders, CDCs and sponsors. See pricing, methodology or request a fixed fee quote.
California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Virginia, Minnesota, Maryland, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, South Carolina, Oregon, Connecticut, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, West Virginia, Idaho, Montana, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming.