For over a century, 1st Southwest Bank has been deeply rooted in the heart of rural Colorado, championing the spirit of community. Serving the diverse needs of the San Luis Valley and beyond, we are more than just a bank; we are a dedicated partner offering a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking solutions, alongside specialized agricultural and business loans, all designed to empower the people and communities that define rural Colorado.
Our Guiding Principles
At 1st Southwest Bank, our mission, vision, and values are not just words on paper; they are the bedrock of our commitment to you and your community:
Our Mission: To serve as an innovative and collaborative financial leader, dedicated to unlocking the potential within diverse and often underserved communities. We strive to be a catalyst for positive change, providing the financial tools and resources necessary for growth and prosperity.
Our Vision: To create a landscape where inclusive financial resources are accessible to everyone, fostering an environment where all individuals and businesses can thrive. We envision a future where financial well-being is within reach for every member of our community.
Our Core Values in Action:
- People First: This is more than just a saying; it’s our operating philosophy. We deeply believe in the inherent potential of every individual. We cultivate a welcoming and inclusive culture for both our team and our valued customers. By prioritizing people, we actively contribute to the success of our communities, ensuring financial resources are available to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
- Lead Fresh Ideas: In a rapidly changing world, stagnation is not an option. We are committed to pioneering fresh, creative, and innovative ideas across all facets of our operations – within our communities, among our teams, and as individual professionals. We empower our team members at every level to collaborate, think outside the box, and take decisive action to implement forward-thinking solutions.
- Make a Difference: This value drives every action we take and every product and service we develop. We are deeply invested in creating a tangible, positive impact on the communities we serve. We collaborate strategically to maximize our impact through our core financial services, proactive community volunteering initiatives, active participation on local boards, and meaningful community sponsorships.
Investing in the Heart of Southern Colorado
1st Southwest Bank and our employees are not just present in the communities we serve – we are integral parts of them. We live here, work here, and are passionately committed to giving back. In 2024 alone, FSWB invested over $190,000 into 90 vital local organizations. These investments are strategically directed towards initiatives that demonstrably improve the health and overall well-being of our Southern Colorado communities, addressing critical needs and fostering sustainable growth.
A Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
We are proud to be a locally owned and independent community bank, operating six branches across Southern Colorado in Alamosa, Center, Cortez, Durango, Pagosa Springs, and Saguache. Our commitment to community development is further underscored by our designation as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). We are one of only two CDFI banks in the entire state of Colorado, and uniquely, the sole CDFI bank serving the Four Corners region.
As a CDFI, 1st Southwest Bank plays a crucial role in enhancing the social and economic fabric of rural Colorado. This designation allows us to access and strategically deploy unique private and public resources that are not available to conventional banks. We leverage these resources to provide equitable access to capital through affordable, fixed-rate loans tailored to meet critical community needs. These include loans for:
- Agricultural enterprises and small businesses, fueling local economies and entrepreneurship.
- Workforce housing initiatives, addressing housing shortages and promoting community stability.
- Mortgage and rental assistance programs, ensuring housing security for residents.
- Energy efficiency and solar enhancements, supporting sustainable practices and reducing energy costs.
- Educational and healthcare facilities, strengthening vital community infrastructure.
- And other essential community needs, adapting to the evolving priorities of the regions we serve.
Recognized as a Leader in Rural Lending
Our dedication to rural Colorado has been consistently recognized. In 2024, 1st Southwest Bank was honored once again as the U.S. Small Business Administration Colorado Rural Lender of the Year. This prestigious award reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the backbone of our rural economy – small businesses. Furthermore, through our invaluable nonprofit partner, the First Southwest Community Fund, we amplify our impact. Together, we ensure that entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations throughout our region have access to the inclusive and equitable capital they need to flourish and enrich our communities.
Let’s Connect
We are always eager to listen to the evolving needs of our communities and explore how we can further contribute to your success. To share your ideas or to learn more about how 1st Southwest Bank can partner with you, please reach out to:
Kent Curtis | President & CEO
970-375-1100
[email protected]
1st Southwest Bank is a proud member of the Community Development Bankers Association, a network of institutions committed to community-focused banking. You can learn more about Community Development Banks at Community Development Banks.
Our Accolades
We are honored to have received recognition for our ongoing commitment to our communities:
- 2024 Colorado Rural Lender of the Year – U.S. Small Business Administration
- 2022 Spirit of Alamosa — Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce
- 2021 Business of the Year — Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce
- 2020 Business of the Year — Durango Chamber of Commerce
- 2022 & 2021 Community Rural Lender of the Year, #1 Colorado‑based Lender & Preferred Lender Provider — U.S. Small Business Administration
In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Please see the following link for additional information (PDF 1.7MB).
