Celebrating 70 Years of Funding New England Business

Seventy years ago, a visionary group of New England bankers and industry leaders realized something critical: the region’s small and mid-sized businesses were full of potential, but traditional bank lending limits often left them just short of the capital they needed to grow.

In May 1953, they set out to change that by establishing BDC Capital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Today, as the oldest business development corporation in the United States, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our 70th anniversary. While market dynamics, global economies, and financial technologies have completely transformed since 1953, our core mission has remained unchanged: to provide creative, flexible financing solutions that help New England businesses—and the lenders who support them—succeed.

70 Years by the Numbers

You don’t reach seven decades in the finance industry without a proven track record of stability, adaptability, and trust. Our longevity is a direct result of the incredible relationships we’ve built with business owners and banking partners alike.

Take a look at the historic impact BDC Capital has made across New England:

• $2+ Billion Invested: Over our 70-year history, we have deployed more than $2 billion into the regional economy.
• Thousands of Companies Served: From family-owned manufacturers to tech innovators and regional distributors, we've helped thousands of businesses scale.
• Nearly 40 Member Banks: Our collaborative ecosystem relies on a robust network of premier New England financial institutions.
• 7 Decades of Stability: We have successfully navigated every major economic cycle, credit crunch, and recession since the post-WWII era, standing as a reliable capital anchor for the region.

Evolution of Our Financial Toolkit

In 1953, corporate finance looked vastly different. Over the last 70 years, BDC Capital has continuously evolved its offerings to meet the modern, complex needs of today's mid-market companies.

We have expanded from basic growth loans into a sophisticated, multi-tranche alternative finance house by adding mezzanine financing, asset-based lending, and partnering with state economic agencies to administer programs like the Capital Access Program (CAP) and SSBCI, we’ve ensured that New England entrepreneurs always have an alternative to diluting their hard-earned equity.

Why Our Mission Matters Now More Than Ever

As we cross the 70-year mark, the financial landscape remains as dynamic as ever. Rising interest rates, shifting regulatory environments, and tightening credit parameters mean that traditional commercial banks are often forced to be more conservative.

That is where BDC Capital shines brightest. We don't compete with banks; we complete them.

“BDC works in partnership with banks and advisors to deliver customized financing solutions beyond the scope of conventional lending. Our 70-year legacy is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we are more energized than ever to tackle the financial industry’s newest challenges alongside our partners.”— Paul F. Flynn, Jr., BDC Capital President & CEO

Whether it is a multi-million dollar business transition, an emergency turnaround restructure, or an aggressive facility expansion, BDC Capital continues to bridge "the gap" so our local economy can thrive.

Looking Ahead: The Next 70 Years

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our member banks, our dedicated investment committee, our advisory boards, and—most importantly—the resilient New England business owners who have trusted us with their dreams over the last seven decades.

We may be 70 years old, but we are just getting started. We are open for business, well-capitalized, and ready to fund the next generation of New England success stories.