First Southwest Bank isn't one to borrow a page from another bank's playbook. The $435 million-asset community development financial institution (CDFI) in Alamosa, Colo., creates lending programs that are highly tailored to the needs of its rural communities. "We test a lot of programs," says president and CEO Kent Curtis. "If a program works in the area and we think we can duplicate it within our footprint or in other rural areas around the state of Colorado, then we'll do that." That mindset, and its dedication to its community, has led to the bank receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans and grants year after year.