CAPCO Program Comes to D.C.

The Certified Capital Company (CAPCO) program, a program designed to increase the flow of investment to small businesses, has taken root in Washington, D.C. This initiative by the District of Columbia combines the business and investment knowledge of the private sector with community interests of building a stronger local economy.

Since the economic downturn in 2008, states have struggled to keep local economies and small businesses afloat. In almost every political election after the economic crisis, candidates focused on job creation and helping small businesses as a campaign promise. The CAPCO program fosters economic development by using DC CAPCO investment funds, managed by professional venture capitalists, to encourage the creation of high-wage jobs and to attract and retain a new variety of small businesses to the area.

Though the DC CAPCO program promotes local economic development, it is not a grant program. Instead, it is truly an investment program — only the most competitive businesses are eligible to receive investment from the DC CAPCO program. The program’s website has a questionnaire where business owners can verify whether or not they would qualify for DC CAPCO investment. The website also provides a sample CAPCO funding process and other resources for area business owners.