Boston Small Business Financing

CAAP helps Boston small businesses purchase their commercial space by addressing equity and affordability gaps. The program combines down payment assistance and low-cost financing with private lending.

Ownership stabilizes businesses, reduces displacement risk, and builds long-term wealth for Boston entrepreneurs and neighborhoods.

• Established businesses seeking to buy their space
• Businesses facing rising rents or displacement
• Owners ready for long-term investment

• Property acquisition (owner-occupant)

*support for build-out or tenant improvements can be coordinated in parallel*

• Located in Boston
• Minimum ~5% owner equity contribution
• Established operating history and demonstrated business performance
• Positive cash flow or a clear path to sustainable cash flow

Provides flexible reimbursable small-dollar financing to Boston small businesses that may face barriers accessing traditional financing. The program supports job creation and retention through low-interest financing designed to help businesses address short-term capital needs, strengthen financial readiness, and build toward future growth opportunities

Neighborhood businesses often face financing gaps that are too small, too flexible, or too time-sensitive for conventional lending. NBAP helps expand access to capital for businesses that may otherwise struggle to secure financing. NBAP supports business continuity, job retention, local job creation, and neighborhood economic vitality

• Smaller businesses seeking flexible financing solutions
• Businesses with limited access to credit
• Businesses facing short-term financial challenges

• Located in Boston
• Must create or retain jobs
• Must benefit low-to-moderate income communities or residents

Get in touch with The Neighborhood Business Access Program today: hans.bastien@boston.gov

BLDC provides loans to Boston small businesses—often alongside banks—to support expansion, job creation, and long-term growth.

Unlocks larger financing opportunities by filling gaps in traditional lending—helping businesses expand, invest, and create jobs.

• Businesses ready to grow or expand
• Businesses needing financing alongside a lender
• Industrial, manufacturing, and service businesses

• $40,000 – $150,000 (standard)
• Up to $250,000 (industrial/manufacturing)

• Working capital
• Equipment and machinery
• Leasehold improvements
• Inventory
• Real estate acquisition
• Business expansion

• For-profit business located in Boston
• Ability to create or retain jobs
• Typically requires lender participation

• Not designed for very early-stage or pre-revenue businesses

LEARN MORE ABOUT BLDC

The Growth Fund helps businesses access loans by participating alongside private lenders. By sharing risk on equal terms.

Expands access to credit—unlocking loans that support business growth, stabilization, and job creation.

• Businesses seeking capital to grow or stabilize
• Businesses working with or ready to work with a lender 
• Industrial, manufacturing, and service businesses

• Working capital
• Equipment
• Leasehold improvements
• Business acquisition
• Debt restructuring / Refinancing

• Boston-based business
• Demonstrated revenue and operations
• Must work with a participating lender (contact Karim for list of lenders)

Get in touch with The Small Business Growth Fund today: khill@bdcnewengland.com