Capital Access Program (CAP)

Joe O'Garro, 781.928.1100 ext. 105

• Cash collateral guarantees for loans up to $500,000
  
• Average loan size $50,000
  
• Minimum fees of 3% with a matching CAP payment

Guarantees that Help Banks Write More Small Business Loans

The Capital Access Program is designed to help small businesses (with less than $5 million in revenues) throughout Massachusetts obtain loans from participating banks.

Using cash collateral guarantees from a loan loss reserve fund, this program enables banks to make loans they might otherwise be unable to grant. Banks that participate in the program have landed over 3,000 new clients and made CAP loans totaling over $200 million since the start of the program. BDC Capital administers the CAP program on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . Loans guaranteed through this program may be used to start or expand businesses, or to provide permanent working capital to ensure continued profitable operations. Typical uses are equipment purchases, start-up costs, and real estate acquisitions. The CAP program can also be used for working capital lines of credit.

Borrowers Gain Ready Access to Capital

Because the Capital Access Program is for loans that are not bankable on their own, borrowing companies gain access to financing where none existed — up to $500,000 with no minimum amount required. These loans are readily available at participating banks throughout Massachusetts . With few exceptions, virtually any type of commercial loan qualifies under the program if it is legal in Massachusetts .

Banks Improve their Loan Flexibility

It costs banks nothing to involve the Capital Access Program in a small business loan. On the contrary, participating banks generally experience significant growth in their small business portfolios and gain Community Reinvestment Act credit for these loans. There are no unnecessary delays or red tape, since banks use their own forms, underwriting standards and closing procedures.

Everything Stays Between the Borrower and the Bank

When a borrower applies to a participating bank for a commercial loan, the bank will determine if the loan requires credit enhancement. The bank negotiates all loan terms with the borrower directly, including pricing and the level of guaranty premiums required. It is also the bank that commits and funds the loan, following its own procedures within its own timeframe. After closing, the bank notifies Massachusetts Business Development Corporation, which provides the bank with matching premiums.