New Community Transformation Fund

We are driven by our relationships with small businesses and helping companies succeed. A letter from our President We founded Advantage Capital in 1992 with a dual mission: to bring businesses, technologies and jobs to communities that have historically lacked access to investment capital, while also generating competitive returns for our investors.‍ From the start, Advantage Capital has been an innovator in raising private institutional capital to invest in businesses located in states and communities that are underserved by traditional sources of risk capital. We are committed to helping our portfolio companies, and their communities, thrive long after our relationship has ended. Looking forward, we see tremendous opportunity to create a significant impact in the years to come. We intend to continue - and build upon - our mission of generating substantial value for our small businesses, investors and communities. - Steven Stull

UBIZ Venture Capital (UVC) is a vehicle that has been strategically established to provide underserved or disadvantaged small businesses an opportunity to compete and grow in their industry. Intense pre-loan counseling and technical training that are aligned with access to capital are the core pillars of UBIZ service delivery model.

McKenzie Shanahan is more than just a company; we are a purpose-driven organization deeply committed to the revitalization of communities and the unlocking of potential in regions frequently overlooked by mainstream investment channels. We understand that true growth and innovation often come from areas that have been neglected or underfunded, and it is our mission to bridge this gap by providing essential capital where it is most needed. Our organization was founded on the belief that every community, no matter how small or underserved, has the inherent potential to thrive when given the right resources and support. At McKenzie Shanahan, we view our role not merely as financiers but as partners in progress. We work closely with local businesses, governments, and stakeholders to identify opportunities for development that can transform entire regions. By targeting these overlooked areas, we not only aim to stimulate economic growth but also to inspire a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that can sustain long-term prosperity. Our approach to investment is holistic. We recognize that capital alone is not enough to drive meaningful change; it must be paired with strategic guidance, collaborative partnerships, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within each community. We are committed to crafting tailored solutions that address these challenges, ensuring that our investments lead to sustainable development and real, lasting impact. At McKenzie Shanahan, we believe that the success of our investments is measured not just by financial returns, but by the positive changes we help to bring about in the communities we serve. Our investments are designed to create a ripple effect - stimulating local economies, creating jobs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. We strive to foster environments where businesses can grow, where innovation is encouraged, and where communities can thrive for generations to come. In an industry often focused solely on profit, McKenzie Shanahan stands out by placing equal importance on the social and economic well-being of the communities in which we invest. We are proud to be a driving force for change, helping to turn potential into progress, and vision into reality. Our commitment to these underserved areas is unwavering, and we are determined to continue making a significant difference, one community at a time. We are dedicated to identifying and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow by strategically investing in their potential today. Our focus is on discovering visionary entrepreneurs and innovative companies poised for significant growth and providing the capital, resources, and support they need to succeed in a competitive global market.

Gazelle Capital launches, advises, and invests in small businesses. Our focus is being a growth catalyst in financial and operational aspects of the business. We support owners throughout the build, grow, scale, and exit processes. Our clients are typically founders and executives of small businesses who are seeking expert advice on fundraising, capital planning, shareholder value enhancement, and exit planning. We make numerous small investments in early-stage companies, rather than a few large investments in later-stage companies. Then we roll up our sleeves to help those companies hit their growth potential. Investing early proves us with an equity stake that mitigates some of the risks involved with investing at this stage. We seek to generate a large enough individual return for the Fund to balance the portfolio’s anticipated losses. We aim to provide our investors with the national average rate of return. 1% for the Community We’re a mission-driven company with a strong belief in not doing it alone. That’s why we donate 1% of our overall revenue to causes that make a healthier, smarter, or cleaner future for our communities. Our Vision Communities strengthened by the thriving companies that grow there. Our Mission We make other company visions a reality. That’s how we see ourselves creating communities anyone can thrive in. What Is a Gazelle Company? “According to the original technical definition, a gazelle company is a high-growth company that has been increasing its revenues by at least 20% annually for four years or more, starting from a revenue base of at least $100,000“ Community Engagement We tend to invest in the communities we live in - or have lived in previously. So it’s important to us to engage there in other ways as well. We help build networks and take part in community-building activities to give back to the places we’ve loved. Philanthropic Efforts 1% of our overall revenue is donated to causes we believe in. We’ve supported Starting Right Now and Skull Games.

Startup Bucks is an organization created by and for entrepreneurs to support new and existing startups to drive economic and cultural growth in and beyond Bucks County. We do this through programs like Founder’s 30(sm), an online forum with about 40 or so attendees helping startup founders every Wednesday from 9-10am ET. Bucks Built Startup Fund The Bucks Built Startup Fund administers $25,000 investments and provides support to promising early-stage startups. Weekly Startup Event: Founder’s 30 Founder’s 30 (F30) Bucks County is a weekly forum for entrepreneurs and those who support them. Each week, startups present for 6 minutes, and then the audience pitches in to help them out with advice and suggestions. All are welcome to attend, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply to present. We’re bolstering the startup ecosystem in Bucks County Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a population 630,000+ and proximity to Philadelphia and New York City, is a locale that attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and startup talent to live, work, and play. Startup Bucks, a 501(c)3 organization founded in 2019, exists to help innovative companies start, grow, and scale in and beyond Bucks. We do this by supporting founders and connecting the startup ecosystem across the County. Our work is focused in three areas: Community - events and forums for connection and communication Resources - programs, guidance, and insights for founders Capital - connecting to and providing sources of venture funding We take pride in running our programs to be culturally inclusive and expansive. We make a conscious effort in our daily activities to reach out beyond our networks to engage entrepreneurs, mentors, and supporters of all backgrounds, ages, and experience.

Fifth Star Funds is a venture philanthropy fund seeking to address the funding epidemic in America where only 1% of venture capital is awarded to Black founders. We accomplish this by investing in Black tech founders in Chicago at the early stage “Friends & Family” round. We believe the funding gap at this stage is the most critical to address, as centuries of inequity have prevented these potential entrepreneurs from having the initial capital to start their businesses. Any individual, corporation, or foundation can contribute to the fund as a tax-deductible donation, and 100% of all returns from successful investments are reinvested into the fund to support future generations of underrepresented founders. We are partnered with leaders in the industry such as 1871, Winston & Strawn, Tides.org, and many more. The Chicago flag features four stars that represent pivotal events in our city’s history; we contend that the Fifth Star belongs to underrepresented founders and the extraordinary impact they will have on our city’s future.