Business Loan Express Deploys Edgeware Analytics' Oscore(TM) Management Assessment to Improve Loan Origination Decisions

SAN DIEGO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/19/2006 -- Edgeware Analytics, Inc., an innovative provider of decision tools for small business lenders, has announced today that Business Loan Express, LLC (BLX), a subsidiary of Allied Capital Corporation (NYSE: ALD), will deploy the Oscore™ Management Assessment to improve origination decision accuracy.

Oscore complements BLX's traditional due diligence techniques by providing an objective, data-driven evaluation of the most critical components of the lending decision -- assessing borrowers' management. The Oscore Management Assessment is delivered in the form of a questionnaire that can be conveniently completed by applicants in less than ten minutes. Answers are scored by Edgeware's proprietary algorithm yielding an empirical management assessment score that is proven to statistically predict future loan performance. Oscore's patent pending credit psychometry technology provides lenders the first truly objective assessment of management, a critical variable previously assessed only subjectively.

"In the competitive small business lending market we are always seeking technologies to improve the way we do business," said Robert Tannenhauser, CEO of BLX. "We've long-known the importance of management to loan success but in the past we have only assessed management subjectively. We are very pleased with the results shown in our initial pilot study of Oscore's objective management assessment, and are excited to incorporate Oscore into our underwriting production environment." BLX will be using the Oscore decision model on government guaranteed and conventional loans alike.

"BLX is a nationally recognized small business lender with a reputation for deploying state-of-the-art technologies. We are thrilled to have our Oscore credit-psychometry technology selected for this demanding environment," said Dan Shoham, CEO of Edgeware Analytics, Inc.

About Edgeware Analytics

Edgeware Analytics, Inc., an innovative provider of customized and generic decision tools to lenders, combines expertise in statistical modeling and credit evaluation to create profit-enhancing predictive models. Used by national lenders and community banks, Edgeware's Oscore and ScoreEdge products work in conjunction with a lender's established underwriting procedures to measurably improve the accuracy of small business credit approvals. Additional information can be found at: www.EdgewareAnalytics.com.

About Business Loan Express

Business Loan Express, LLC (BLX), is one of the country's largest non-bank small business and commercial lenders. BLX has originated over $4 billion in loans to small business and investment real estate investors throughout the U.S. representing over 300 different industries. BLX loan programs are specially designed for borrowers with financing needs up to $5,000,000. Borrowers may use BLX loan proceeds for a variety of business and commercial purposes, ranging from real estate acquisition and refinance to working capital.

Loan products include conventional business and commercial loans, as well as government guaranteed Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. BLX is a licensed participant in the SBA's 7(a) and CommunityExpress guaranteed loan programs and is a nationwide SBA Preferred lender. BLX is also a leading lender under the SBA's 504 and Express programs. For more information, please visit the website at www.BLXonline.com.

Mike Rozman
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