Capital One Bank announced it is accepting applications for its Getting Down to Business small business development program in Dallas. The free, seven-month program begins March 22.  Created by Capital One Bank, Getting Down to Business addresses the core needs of a small business. The program offers qualified business owners an opportunity to grow their businesses by increasing their knowledge about credit, budgeting, marketing, business plans, financing, accounting best practices, networking, insurance and much more. The program includes a matched savings component of up to $2,000 that the business owners can use for operations, staffing or purchase of supplies -- upon completion of the program. In addition, participants are paired with knowledgeable professionals and volunteers who serve as mentors during the class sessions and for a year following the completion of program period.

Getting Down to Business debuted in Dallas in 2012. The program has helped a majority of the participating businesses increase sales and profits, hire additional employees, secure new capital, and increase credit scores.

The program’s 15-course, in-depth curriculum was developed by Capital One bankers and local partners that include SCORE Dallas, BCL of Texas, The BridgePath, LiftFund, and PeopleFund.

“Through an integrated approach that we call ‘Investing for Good,’ Capital One Bank orchestrates the delivery of core banking services along with specialized community development, philanthropic and volunteer support to generate lasting, local community impact and valuable business results,” said Mark Boucree, Vice President, Capital One Bank Community Development Banking. “The Getting Down to Business program is a great example of how we bring Investing for Good to life in Dallas.”

The upcoming Getting Down to Business classes will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday beginning March 22 at the Bill Priest Business Growth Center, Classroom 1210, 1402 Corinth Street, Dallas, Texas 75215.

The program will be limited to 15 participants selected through an application and interview process.  Applications are available online at www.cybergrants.com/capitalone/GDTBDallas.  For additional information about the program and the curriculum, call Claudia Guevara at 214-987-9491. The deadline to submit applications is 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 6.