About this programme
The Capital Access Program (CAP) is run by the Seattle Office of Economic Development to reduce borrowing costs for small businesses that have not had equitable access to financial services. It works by paying down part of the principal on a loan a business takes out through one of six participating community lenders.
To date the program has distributed $6.9 million and supported 295 qualifying Seattle businesses by paying down part of their loan principal, with a focus on building BIPOC community wealth. Funding comes from the City of Seattle's Jumpstart Payroll Expense Tax.
How it works
A business takes out a loan through one of the six participating community lenders: Business Impact NW, Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, Seattle Credit Union, Grow America Community Impact Loan Fund, Evergreen Business Capital, and Denkyem Co-Op. Loans through these lenders carry a 4% interest rate.
The city then pays down part of the loan principal, up to $30,000 or 20% of the loan principal amount, whichever is less. There is no separate application form for CAP itself; participating lenders automatically consider a borrower's eligibility when they approve the loan.
Who can apply
The business must be for-profit, independently owned, and located within Seattle city limits, with an active City of Seattle Business License, and must have been in operation for over 12 months.
It must have filed and paid City B&O taxes (or agree to come into compliance within 2 months), have no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees, and annual gross revenue of no more than $2 million. It must be in good standing with state and local requirements and current on loan payments at the time of award.
Businesses located outside Seattle or with less than 50% of operations in Seattle are not eligible, nor are adult entertainment businesses, cannabis operations, or nonprofits (501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(19)).
How to apply
- There is no separate CAP application. Apply for a business loan through one of the six participating community lenders.
- The lender considers CAP eligibility automatically as part of the loan approval process.
- Have your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, 6-digit City Business License number, and B&O tax records ready, since lenders use these to confirm eligibility.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number
- City Business License number (6 digits)
- Business and Occupation (B&O) tax records
Frequently asked
How do I apply for the Capital Access Program?
There is no separate application. You apply for a loan through one of the six participating community lenders, and they consider your CAP eligibility automatically upon loan approval.
How much of my loan can be paid down?
Up to $30,000 or 20% of the loan principal amount, whichever is less.
What interest rate do CAP loans carry?
Loans through the participating community lenders carry a 4% interest rate.
Is my business eligible if it's a nonprofit?
No. Nonprofits, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and 501(c)(19) organizations, are not eligible for this program.
More funding in Washington
Business Impact NW Loans
Business Impact NW · Washington
CDFI lender offering $5,000 to $750,000 business loans across Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Idaho.
Craft3 Business Loans
Craft3 · Washington
Nonprofit CDFI lending general business, real estate, and construction loans to Washington and Oregon small businesses.
Research, Development and Demonstration (RDD) Program
Washington State Department of Commerce (Clean Energy Fund) · Washington
Washington's Clean Energy Fund grant backs mid-stage clean-energy R&D and demonstration projects, with the current $10 million round due September 3, 2026.
SNAP Small Business Lending
SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners) / SNAP Financial Access · Washington
Nonprofit loans of $5,000 to $150,000 with financial coaching for entrepreneurs and first-time borrowers in eastern Washington.
Storefront Repair Fund
Seattle Office of Economic Development · Washington
City of Seattle grants to help small businesses repair damaged storefronts.
Ventures Business Builder Loan
Ventures · Washington
Seattle-area nonprofit lends up to $50,000 to small business owners who complete its Business Basics course.
All 7 programmes in Washington →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.