Los Angeles, California – Avante Mezzanine Partners (“Avante”), a provider of debt financing solutions to lower middle market companies, is proud to announce that Avante has been selected as the 2018 Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SBIC of the Year award recognizes Avante’s success in supporting the growth and expansion of lower middle market businesses. Avante will be accepting the award from SBA Administrator Linda McMahon at an event in Washington DC during National Small Business Week in late April.
Jeri Harman, Managing Partner & CEO of Avante, commented: “We are honored to receive this recognition. I am very proud of our team and the hard work that has gone into building our firm, our reputation and our investment results to date. Moreover, we are grateful for the support and the confidence that our investors, sponsors, companies, and the SBA have placed in us.”
About the Small Business Investment Company Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Investment and Innovation SBIC Program is a multi-billion dollar, government-sponsored investment fund created in 1958 to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs’ need for capital and traditional sources of financing. Today the SBIC program has 303 licensees managing over $26 billion in assets. For every $1 an SBIC raises from a private investor, the SBA will typically provide $2 of debt capital, subject to a cap of $150 million. For additional information, contact the SBA at www.asksbic.gov.
About Avante Mezzanine Partners
Avante Mezzanine Partners provides total debt solutions and junior capital for high quality, lower middle market businesses that generate at least $3 million in cash flow. Avante invests between $5 million and $25 million of capital in the form of unitranche or one-stop debt as well as traditional mezzanine debt and minority equity. We can also partner with other lenders to provide an optimal capital solution. Avante works with private equity and independent sponsors in buyout transactions, as well as with entrepreneurs and owners to finance recapitalizations, refinancings, acquisitions and growth.
Additionally, as a majority women-owned fund, one of Avante Mezzanine Partners’ areas of interest, although not exclusive focus, is providing capital to women and minority-owned companies. Avante is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA with an office in Boston, MA.