Advantage Capital Finances Mississippi`s Old South Brick & Supply Co.

Mississippi New Markets Development program funding helps family-owned business
preserve 60 localjobs
JACKSON, Miss.--(Business Wire)--
Advantage Capital Partners and its small business lending division BizCapital
has provided Mississippi New Markets Development program financing to Old South
Brick & Supply Co., a Jackson-based distributor and retailer for bricks, brick
supplies, fireplaces and fireplace accessories. The funding will allow Old South
Brick to retain its 60 employee workforce and position itself for future growth.

"The partnership between Advantage Capital Partners and Old South Brick is
exactly the type of economic growth and job retention we need in Mississippi,"
Governor Haley Barbour said. "Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy,
both here in Jackson and across the state. Programs like the New Market Tax
Credit through the Mississippi Development Authority are designed to help these
deserving family-owned businesses grow and prosper."

Founded in 1982, Old South Brick & Supply Co. distributes and supplies bricks,
brick supplies, fireplaces and fireplace accessories to the construction
industry. The company is headquartered in Jackson, Miss., with additional
locations in Brookhaven, Batesville and Greenville.

"I`ve been in the brick industry my entire career and have worked very hard to
build this company," said Jerry Crosby, owner of Old South Brick & Supply Co.
"Given the current economic conditions, this financing from the Mississippi New
Markets program will make a critical difference for us and for our employees and
customers."

"This is a prime example of how the Mississippi New Markets program is working
at a crucial time for small businesses," said Tony Toups, senior vice president
at Advantage Capital Partners. "This family-owned business of more than 25 years
could not obtain adequate financing from its existing lender, but thanks to the
New Markets program and the federal stimulus package, the necessary funding was
provided to help Old South Brick continue to serve its customers and grow its
business."

Advantage Capital`s investment in Old South Brick was made in connection with
the federal New Markets Tax Credit and Mississippi New Markets Development
programs. Both programs are designed to stimulate economic growth in communities
that historically have been underserved by traditional sources of capital.

About Advantage Capital Partners and BizCapital

Advantage Capital Partners is a venture capital and small business finance firm
focused on investing in promising companies in connection with federal, state
and local economic development efforts. With offices and partners in New
Orleans, St. Louis, Austin and other U.S. cities, Advantage has raised more than
$1 billion since 1992 and invested in companies located in geographic areas
underserved by traditional capital. BizCapital is Advantage Capital`s
non-depository financial institution offering competitive loans to small and
mid-sized companies. In partnership with the federal government, BizCapital is
licensed to make government-guaranteed SBA and USDA loans.

Advantage Capital Partners
Dana Purkey, 314-725-0800
dpurkey@advantagecap.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009