The California Capital Access Program (CalCAP), administered by CPCFA, has served lenders for the benefit of small businesses since 1994. The various CalCAP models have different features but all encourage CalCAP-participating lenders to make loans to small businesses by providing the lenders with risk management tools. The CalCAP for Small Business program and CalCAP Collateral Support program offer additional support to participating lenders for loans made to small businesses located within a Severely Affected Community (SAC), which includes disaster areas such as fires.
- Immediate Resources for Small Businesses Directly Harmed by Disaster
For immediate resources for businesses affected by a disaster, CalCAP recommends disaster-specific programs.
Find recovery centers, get resources, and start recovery at:
- https://outsmartdisaster.calosba.ca.gov/support-and-resources-for-los-angeles-area-wildfire-recovery/
- https://outsmartdisaster.calosba.ca.gov/disaster-resources/
- Loans for Small Businesses Located in Disaster Areas
When a small business (up to 750 employees) wants a loan and are located in a disaster area, they can participate in CalCAP by:
- Learning about https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp and https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/collateral
- Getting “loan-ready” with a technical assistance provider https://calosba.ca.gov/for-small-businesses-and-non-profits/small-business-centers/
- Applying to a CalCAP lender https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/PFI_lenders_1.pdf
- The lender will underwrite the loan application and determine which program to use.
- Information for Lenders About CalCAP’s Severely Affected Community (SAC) Designation
CalCAP participating financial institutions (PFIs) can access information about SAC in several ways:
- Referring to the CalCAP Supplemental SAC Contribution Form located in the PFI Forms and Tools webpage section
- Contacting your assigned CalCAP Analyst
- Contacting calcap@treasurer.ca.gov
Lenders interested in becoming a CalCAP participating financial institution can begin by:
- Learning about the variety of CalCAP programs: /cpcfa/calcap
- Evaluating their eligibility: /sites/default/files/2025-12/participate_0.pdf
- Submitting an application to join CalCAP: /sites/default/files/2025-12/application_4.pdf