Capital access program - cash collateral guarantees for small business loans

Access financing with reduced collateral requirements through our Capital Access Programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. These state-backed programs help businesses secure loans that might not qualify under traditional underwriting.

company INTRODUCTION
At BDC Capital, we administer the Capital Access Programs (CAP) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, providing cash collateral guarantees that help small businesses secure the financing they need with reduced collateral requirements. These state-backed programs reduce risk for lenders, making credit more accessible for businesses that might not qualify under traditional bank underwriting standards.
WHY BDC CAPITAL

More than just loan guarantees

Reduced Collateral

Cash collateral guarantees reduce lender risk, allowing businesses to qualify for financing with less traditional collateral than banks typically require.

State Partnership

Working with matching state funds means lower overall costs while providing meaningful credit enhancement that makes your loan bankable.

Experienced Administration

Our 72 years of lending experience means we process CAP applications efficiently and work closely with participating lenders throughout New England.

Our process for financing success

Bank Application
CAP Enrollment
Loan Approval
Ongoing Relationship
WHY BDC CAPITAL

More than just credit enhancement

Flexible Underwriting

Because the cash collateral guarantee reduces lender risk, banks can approve loans for businesses that might not meet traditional underwriting standards due to limited operating history, thin collateral, or other factors.

Multiple Use Cases

CAP guarantees can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, commercial real estate acquisition, inventory financing, business expansion, and virtually any reasonable business purpose your lender approves.

Preserve Your Banking Relationship

Everything stays between you and your bank—they negotiate all loan terms, pricing, and guaranty premiums directly. We simply provide the credit enhancement that makes the loan work.

Lower Costs Than Alternatives

With minimum 3% enrollment fees matched by state funds, CAP provides credit enhancement at a fraction of the cost of other guarantee programs or alternative lenders.

No Unnecessary Delays

Banks use their own forms, underwriting standards, and closing procedures. There's no additional bureaucratic approval process—once your bank commits, they fund the loan on their timeline.

Frequently asked questions

What are the loan limits for the Capital Access Program?

In Massachusetts, CAP provides cash collateral guarantees for loans up to $500,000. In Rhode Island, guarantees are available for loans up to $750,000. The average CAP loan size is approximately $100,000, making the program ideal for small business financing needs.

How much does the Capital Access Program cost?

Borrowers pay a minimum enrollment fee of 3% of the loan amount, which is deposited into a loss reserve account. The state matches this contribution with an additional 3% payment, creating a 6% total loss reserve that protects the lender.

What types of businesses qualify for CAP?

Most for-profit businesses operating in Massachusetts or Rhode Island are eligible. The program is designed to help businesses that have viable operations but may not meet all traditional bank underwriting criteria due to limited collateral, short operating history, or other factors.

How does the Capital Access Program work with my bank?

You apply for financing at any participating bank or lender in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. If your loan needs credit enhancement, the bank enrolls it in CAP. You negotiate all terms—interest rate, repayment schedule, and collateral—directly with your bank. BDC Capital administers the program and provides the matching state contribution.

What can Capital Access Program loans be used for?

CAP loans can be used for virtually any business purpose approved by your lender, including working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, inventory, business expansion, debt refinancing, and more. Specific use restrictions may apply based on state program guidelines.

How is the Capital Access Program different from SBA loans?

Unlike SBA loans that require federal government approval and extensive documentation, CAP loans are approved solely by your participating lender using their own underwriting standards and procedures. There are no federal forms, no SBA approval process, and no delays. The cash collateral guarantee stays with your lender, providing simple, efficient credit enhancement.

Access the financing your business deserves

Let CAP guarantees reduce barriers and open doors