About this programme
Ventures is a Seattle-area nonprofit that lends up to $50,000 through its Business Builder Loan to small business owners who have completed its Business Basics Course. The loan is one of several capital products Ventures offers once a borrower has gone through Specialized Services, alongside a collateral-free Peer Loan program and a Credit-Building Loan for people with thin credit files.
During the Business Builder Loan process, the borrower works closely with the Ventures financial team to build a loan proposal, with the team helping review the business plan, analyze financials, and assess repayment capacity.
How it works
Access to the Business Builder Loan and other capital products requires first completing the nine-week Business Basics Course, which covers defining the business, marketing and sales planning, break-even analysis, cash flow projections, pricing, and legal, tax, and licensing basics.
Course graduates receive a workbook, a completed Business Feasibility Plan, and become eligible to apply for further Ventures programs, including microloans, the Peer Loan, the Credit-Building Loan, and incubator programs.
The Business Builder Loan can lend up to $50,000, built around a loan proposal developed jointly with the Ventures financial team.
Who can apply
Applicants must first complete the Business Basics Course, which is a prerequisite for enrolling in Specialized Services, including the Business Builder Loan.
Ventures is based in Seattle and serves entrepreneurs in the Seattle and Snohomish County area.
How to apply
- Join the Business Basics Course Interest List or attend an Information Session, described as the first step toward enrollment.
- Complete the nine-week Business Basics Course.
- Schedule a meeting with a Ventures business coach to enroll in Specialized Services.
- Work with the Ventures financial team to build a loan proposal for the Business Builder Loan.
Frequently asked
Can I apply for the Business Builder Loan without taking a course first?
No. Completion of the Business Basics Course is required before you can access Specialized Services, including the Business Builder Loan.
How much can I borrow?
Up to $50,000 through the Business Builder Loan.
Do I need collateral or good credit?
The Business Builder Loan is built around a proposal reviewed with the Ventures financial team. Ventures' separate Peer Loan Program, open to Business Basics Course graduates, does not require physical collateral or a good credit score.
How long is the Business Basics Course?
Nine weeks.
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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.