SSBICs (Specialized Small Business Investment Companies) . . .

are government-chartered venture firms that can invest only in companies that are at least 51 percent owned by members of a minority group or persons recognized by the rules that govern SSBICs to be socially or economically disadvantaged. SSBICs borrow government moneys to increase (leverage) the size of their funds just as SBICs do. As a result, most of the investment characteristics of SBICs also apply toSSBICS. See: SBICs (Small Business Investment Companies).