ALAMOSA — First Southwest Bank (FSWB), a locally owned, independent community bank and one of two Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks in Colorado, proudly announces that CEO Kent Curtis has received the 2024 Who’s Who in Impact Investing. 

This award was presented by the Denver Business Journal in partnership with the impact Finance Center and celebrates leaders who make significant contributions to impact investing and drive meaningful change in their communities. 

Curtis has led FSWB since 2010. In 2014, he applied for and received the CDFI certification from the U.S. Treasury, solidifying FSWB’s role as a financial partner for underserved communities. In 2015, he created a non-profit partner for the bank, First Southwest Community Fund, to provide inclusive and equitable access to capital and gap funding. Under his leadership, FSWB has maintained its CDFI status for a decade, making it one of two banks in Colorado dedicated to investing in communities overlooked by traditional lenders. Today the bank serves communities across Colorado and has branch locations in Saguache, Center, Alamosa, Pagosa Springs, Durango, and Cortez. 

As a CDFI, First Southwest Bank is required to direct at least 60% of its financing to low- and moderate-income populations and underserved communities, helping fuel local economic growth through innovative and accessible financial products. These include microloans, small business loans, and flexible financing options and partnerships that empower local entrepreneurs and community initiatives. 

“Kent’s vision and passion for impact investing have made him a true thought leader, not just in Colorado but within the larger field of community development finance,” said Jennifer Ostenson, FSWB Board Chair. “This recognition is well-deserved, and we’re thrilled to see his commitment to positive, lasting social and economic change celebrated.” 

The 2024 Who’s Who in Impact Investing honorees were featured in a special publication on Nov. 8 and celebrated at an in-person event on Nov. 13, 2024, during CO Impact Days 24. For more information on First Southwest Bank’s impact, visit FSWB.bank or contact First Southwest Bank at 866-641-3792. 

First Southwest Bank (FSWB) is a locally owned, independent community bank, and one of two Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks in Colorado offering personal and business banking, agricultural and small business loans.  

FSWB puts customer dollars to work to improve the social and economic landscape of Southern and rural Colorado.  

With its non-profit partner, the First Southwest Community Fund, FSWB ensures its region’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations have access to the inclusive and equitable capital they need to grow and enrich our communities. More information is available at fswb.bank.