Latino Small Business Capital Access Program (CAP)

Funder: District Bridges in partnership with the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

Geographic Scope: Washington, DC

Focus Areas:

• Capital access for business development
• Support for Spanish-speaking minority-owned businesses
• Grant application assistance and technical support

Eligibility:

• Spanish-speaking business owners
• Minority-owned businesses
• Small businesses seeking capital for growth and development

What the Program Provides:

• Advisory services
• Support in accessing capital for business development goals
• Grant application assistance
• Multilingual support (Spanish and other languages)
• Help with business capacity development

Background:
Developed in partnership with the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) to address barriers minority-owned businesses face in accessing capital. The program emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when District Bridges successfully helped 7+ Spanish-speaking businesses secure over $42,599 in recovery microgrants, with additional Spanish-speaking businesses securing over $81,000 in total grant funding.

Application Process

District Bridges provides direct assistance with grant applications:

• District Bridges staff work directly with Spanish-speaking business owners
• Staff explain grant requirements and the concept of grants as non-repayable capital
• Assistance is provided in native Spanish language
• Support includes completing all necessary application materials
• District Bridges identifies relevant grant opportunities and assists with submission

Note: Specific application deadlines and requirements vary by funding source. Contact District Bridges for current opportunities and timelines.