SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
1616 Anderson Road, Suite 208, McLean, Virginia 22102

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 24, 2003

To The Stockholders Of Gladstone Capital Corporation:

        Notice Is Hereby Given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Gladstone Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), will be held on Monday, February 24, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. local time in the third floor conference room of the Company's principal executive office at 1616 Anderson Road, McLean, VA 22102 for the following purposes:

        (1)  To elect two directors to hold office until the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

        (2)  To approve an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, to increase the aggregate number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under such plan by 500,000 shares.

        (3)  To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for its fiscal year ending September 30, 2003.

        (4)  To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.

        The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on January 13, 2003 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at this Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

McLean, Virginia
January 17, 2003

        ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING. A RETURN ENVELOPE (WHICH IS POSTAGE PREPAID IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES) IS ENCLOSED FOR THAT PURPOSE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR PROXY, YOU MAY STILL VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD OF RECORD BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE AND YOU WISH TO VOTE AT THE MEETING, YOU MUST OBTAIN FROM THE RECORD HOLDER A PROXY ISSUED IN YOUR NAME.

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
1616 Anderson Road, Suite 208, McLean, Virginia 22102

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

February 24, 2003

INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING

General

        The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Gladstone Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation ("Gladstone" or the "Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 24, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. local time (the "Annual Meeting"), or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be held in the third floor conference room of the Company's principal executive office at 1616 Anderson Road, McLean, VA 22102. The Company intends to mail this proxy statement and accompanying proxy card on or about January 17, 2003 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Solicitation

        The Company will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this proxy statement, the proxy card and any additional information furnished to stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding in their names shares of the Company's common stock beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. The Company may reimburse persons representing beneficial owners of the Company's common stock for their costs of forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Original solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, telegram or personal solicitation by directors, officers or other regular employees of the Company or, at the Company's request, Georgeson Shareholder Communications Company ("Georgeson"). No additional compensation will be paid to directors, officers or other regular employees for such services, but Georgeson will be paid its customary fee, estimated to be about $6,000, if it renders solicitation services.

Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares

        Only holders of record of the Company's common stock at the close of business on January 13, 2003 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on January 13, 2003 the Company had outstanding and entitled to vote 10,071,844 shares of common stock.

        Each holder of record of the Company's common stock on such date will be entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

        All votes will be tabulated by the inspector of election appointed for the meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether a matter is approved.

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Revocability of Proxies

        Any person giving a proxy pursuant to this solicitation has the power to revoke it at any time before it is voted, unless the proxy states that it is irrevocable and is coupled with an interest. It may be revoked by filing with the Secretary of the Company at the Company's principal executive office, 1616 Anderson Road, Suite 208, McLean, Virginia 22102, a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or it may be revoked by attending the meeting and voting in person.

        Attendance at the meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy. However, no proxy is valid after eleven months from its date, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Stockholder Proposals

        The deadline for submitting a stockholder proposal for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement and form of proxy for the Company's 2004 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") is September 19, 2003. Stockholders wishing to submit proposals or director nominations that are not to be included in such proxy statement and proxy must deliver notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business on the sixtieth day nor earlier than the close of business on the ninetieth day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting. Stockholders are also advised to review the Company's Bylaws, which contain additional requirements with respect to advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.

Proposal 1
Election Of Directors

        The Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") is divided into three classes of two directors each, with each class having a three-year term. In general, vacancies on the Board may be filled only by persons elected by a majority of the remaining directors. However, if the stockholders of any class or series are entitled separately to elect one or more directors, a majority of the remaining directors elected by that class or series or the sole remaining director elected by that class or series may fill any vacancy in the directors elected by that class or series. A director elected by the Board to fill a vacancy shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.

        The Board presently has six members. The terms of office for two of the directors are expiring in 2003. The nominees for election to this class are currently directors of the Company, both of whom were previously appointed to the Board prior to the Company's initial public offering. If elected at the Annual Meeting, each nominee would serve until the 2006 annual meeting and until his successor is elected and has qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal. Neither nominee is being proposed for election pursuant to any agreement or understanding between him and the Company.

        Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of the nominees named below. In the event that any of the nominees should be unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, such shares will be voted for the election of such substitute nominees as management may propose. The nominees have agreed to serve if elected, and management has no reason to believe that either of them will be unable to serve.

        Set forth below is biographical information for each person nominated, each person whose term of office as a director will continue after the Annual Meeting, and each executive officer who is not a director.

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Nominees for Election for a Three-year Term Expiring at the 2006 Annual Meeting

The Board Of Directors Recommends
A Vote In Favor Of Each Named Nominee.

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Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2004 Annual Meeting

4

Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2005 Annual Meeting

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Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

*

Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker, Brill and Stelljes are interested persons of the Company, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, due to their positions as officers of the Company.

Board Committees and Meetings

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 the Board held eleven meetings. The Board has an audit committee, a compensation committee and an executive committee.

        The audit committee operates pursuant to a written charter and makes recommendations concerning the engagement of independent public accountants, reviews with our independent public accountants the plans and results of the audit engagement, approves professional services provided by our independent public accountants, reviews the independence of our independent public accountants and reviews the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. Membership of the audit committee is comprised of Ms. English and Messrs. Dullum and Parker, each of whom is considered an independent director under the rules promulgated by the Nasdaq Stock Market. The audit committee met four times during the last fiscal year.

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        The compensation committee determines compensation for our executive officers and administers the Company's Amended and Restated 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. Membership of the compensation committee is comprised of Messrs. Parker and Dullum, each of whom is an independent director. The compensation committee met five times during the last fiscal year.

        The executive committee has the authority to exercise all powers of the Board except for actions that must be taken by the full Board under the Maryland General Corporation Law, including electing the Chairman of the Board and the President. The Board may appoint not fewer than three members to the executive committee; currently, the membership is comprised of Messrs. Gladstone and Dullum. The executive committee did not meet during the last fiscal year.

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, each Board member attended 75% or more of the aggregate of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he or she served, held during the period for which he or she was a director or committee member, respectively.

Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors(1)

        The Company's audit committee is comprised of Ms. English and Messrs. Dullum and Parker, each of whom is not an officer or employee of the Company. Under the applicable Nasdaq rules, all members are independent. The Board has adopted a written charter for the audit committee.

        The audit committee met after the close of the fiscal year to review and discuss the audited financial statements with management and the accountants, Ernst & Young LLP. Based on these discussions, the audit committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The discussions with Ernst & Young LLP also included the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61. The audit committee received from Ernst & Young LLP written disclosures and the letter regarding its independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standards No. 1. This information was discussed with Ernst & Young LLP.

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

(1)

The material in this report is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the 1933 or 1934 Act.

Proposal 2
Approval of the Amendment to the Amended
And Restated 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, as Amended

        In June 2001, the Board adopted the Company's 2001 Equity Incentive Plan. In July 2001, the Board and the stockholders approved an amendment and restatement of the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, adopting the Amended and Restated 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2001 Plan"). In August 2001, the Board adopted, and the stockholders approved, an amendment to the 2001 Plan increasing the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2001 Plan to a total of 1,500,000 shares.

        In December 2002, the Board approved an amendment to the 2001 Plan (attached hereto as Appendix A), subject to stockholder approval, to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2001 Plan by 500,000 shares, to a total of 2,000,000 shares. The Board adopted this amendment to ensure that the Company can continue to grant stock options at levels determined appropriate by the Board.

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        As of December 31, 2002, awards (net of canceled or expired awards) covering an aggregate of 1,410,000 shares of the Company's common stock had been granted under the 2001 Plan. Only 90,000 shares of the Company's common stock (plus any shares that might in the future be returned to the 2001 Plan as a result of cancellations or expiration of awards or the reacquisition by the Company of issued shares) remained available for future grants under the 2001 Plan. Upon receipt of an order from the SEC (which is currently pending), our non-employee directors will be entitled to receive options to purchase an aggregate of 60,000 shares of common stock and each will be entitled to an additional option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at the time of the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, unless the stockholders approve the proposed amendment to the 2001 Plan, the Company will have no shares available under the 2001 Plan for grant following the issuance of the options to the Company's non-employee directors.

        During the last fiscal year, the Company granted options under the 2001 Plan (i) to current executive officers to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $17.11 per share and (ii) to all employees as a group (excluding executive officers) to purchase 60,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $17.18 per share.

        Stockholders are requested in this Proposal 2 to approve the amendment to the 2001 Plan. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting will be required to approve the amendment to the 2001 Plan. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been approved.

The Board Of Directors Recommends
A Vote In Favor Of Proposal 2.

        The essential features of the 2001 Plan are outlined below:

General

        The 2001 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options and restricted stock purchase awards (collectively, "awards"). Incentive stock options granted under the 2001 Plan are intended to qualify as "incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Nonstatutory stock options granted under the 2001 Plan are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options under the Code. See "Federal Income Tax Information" for a discussion of the tax treatment of awards. To date, the Company has granted only stock options under the 2001 Plan.

Purpose

        The Board adopted the 2001 Plan to provide a means by which selected employees (including officers) and directors of the Company and its affiliates (collectively, "participants") may be given an opportunity to purchase stock in the Company, to assist in retaining the services of such persons, to secure and retain the services of persons capable of filling such positions and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its affiliates.

Administration

        The Board administers the 2001 Plan. Subject to the provisions of the 2001 Plan, the Board has the power to construe and interpret the 2001 Plan and to determine the persons to whom, and the dates on which, awards will be granted, the number of shares of the Company's common stock to be subject to each award, the time or times during the term of each award within which all or a portion of

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such award may be exercised, the exercise price, the type of consideration and other terms of the award.

        The Board has the power to delegate administration of the 2001 Plan to a committee composed of one or more members of the Board. In the discretion of the Board, a committee may consist solely of two or more outside directors in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code or solely of two or more non-employee directors in accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The Board has delegated administration of the 2001 Plan to the compensation committee of the Board. As used herein with respect to the 2001 Plan, the "Board" refers to the compensation committee as well as to the Board itself.

        Compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code allows a company to recognize a business expense deduction in connection with compensation recognized by "covered employees" (the chief executive officer and the other four most highly compensated officers). In addition to other requirements, the directors who serve as members of the committee responsible for administering the incentive plan with respect to these covered employees must be "outside directors." The Board currently limits the directors who may serve as members of the compensation committee to those who are "outside directors" as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code. This limitation would exclude from the committee directors who are (i) current employees of the Company or an affiliate, (ii) former employees of the Company or an affiliate receiving compensation for past services (other than benefits under a tax-qualified pension plan), (iii) current or former officers of the Company or an affiliate, (iv) directors currently receiving direct or indirect remuneration from the Company or an affiliate in any capacity (other than director) and (v) any other person who is otherwise not considered an "outside director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. The definition of an "outside director" under Section 162(m) of the Code is generally narrower than the definition of a "non-employee director" under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.

Eligibility

        Incentive stock options may be granted under the 2001 Plan only to employees (including officers) of the Company and its affiliates. Employees (including officers) and, subject to receipt of an order from the SEC, non-employee directors of both the Company and its affiliates are eligible to receive all other types of awards under the 2001 Plan. All of the Company's employees are, and upon receipt of an order from the SEC each of the Company's non-employee directors will be, eligible to receive awards under the 2001 Plan.

        No incentive stock option may be granted under the 2001 Plan to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns (or is deemed to own) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company or any affiliate of the Company, unless the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant, and the term of the option does not exceed five years from the date of grant. In addition, the aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of the shares of the Company's common stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under the 2001 Plan and all other such plans of the Company and its affiliates) may not exceed $100,000. No employee may be granted options under the 2001 Plan covering more than 800,000 shares of the Company's common stock during any calendar year (the "Section 162(m) Limitation").

Stock Subject to the 2001 Plan

        Subject to this Proposal 2, an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock is authorized for issuance under the 2001 Plan. If awards granted under the 2001 Plan expire or otherwise terminate without being exercised, the shares of the Company's common stock not acquired pursuant to such awards again become available for issuance under the 2001 Plan. If the Company reacquires

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unvested stock issued under the 2001 Plan, the reacquired stock will again become available for reissuance under the 2001 Plan.

Terms of Options

        The following is a description of the permissible terms of options under the 2001 Plan. Individual option grants may be more restrictive as to any or all of the permissible terms described below.

        Exercise Price; Payment.    The exercise price of incentive stock options under the 2001 Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant, and in some cases (see "Eligibility" above), may not be less than 110% of such fair market value. The exercise price of nonstatutory options under the 2001 Plan may not be less than 85% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant. If options are granted to covered executives with exercise prices below market value, deductions for compensation attributable to the exercise of such options could be limited by Section 162(m) of the Code. See "Federal Income Tax Information." As of January 13, 2003, the closing price of the Company's common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $16.30 per share.

        The exercise price of options granted under the 2001 Plan must be paid either in cash at the time the option is exercised or at the discretion of the Board at the time of grant of the option (or subsequently in the case of a nonstatutory stock option) (i) by delivery of other shares of the Company's capital stock, (ii) by delivery of a promissory note or (iii) in any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Board. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the option, the purchase price of capital stock acquired pursuant to an option that is paid by delivery to the Company of other capital stock acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, may be paid only by shares of the capital stock of the Company that have been held for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes).

        If an option holder elects to pay the exercise price of his or her option with a promissory note, interest on the note will accrue at a commercially reasonable market rate and the note will be subject to such other repayment terms and conditions as are established by the compensation committee. The Company has from time to time permitted its employees, including its executive officers, to exercise options by promissory note in the past. However, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 effectively prohibits the Company from making loans to its executive officers for exercising options in the future, although loans outstanding prior to July 30, 2002—including the promissory notes the Company has received from certain of its executive officers—were explicitly exempted from this prohibition. Furthermore, prior to permitting non-employee directors to exercise their options with a promissory note, the Company would be required to receive an order from the SEC permitting such a loan on the basis that the terms of the loan are fair and reasonable and not overreaching. The Company currently does not intend to apply for such an order from the SEC.

        Option Exercise.    Options granted under the 2001 Plan may become exercisable ("vest") in cumulative increments as determined by the Board. Shares covered by currently outstanding options under the 2001 Plan typically vest immediately with respect to 50% of the shares subject to the option, with the remaining 50% vesting after one year of employment by, or service as a director of, the Company or an affiliate of the Company (collectively, "service"). Shares covered by options granted in the future under the 2001 Plan may be subject to different vesting terms. The Board has the power to accelerate the time during which an option may vest or be exercised. In addition, options granted under the 2001 Plan may permit exercise prior to vesting, but in such event the participant may be required to enter into an early exercise stock purchase agreement that allows the Company to repurchase shares not yet vested should the participant's service terminate before vesting. To the extent provided by the terms of an option, a participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise of such option by a cash payment upon exercise, by authorizing the Company to

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withhold a portion of the stock otherwise issuable to the participant, by delivering already-owned stock of the Company or by a combination of these means.

        Term.    The maximum term of options under the 2001 Plan is ten years, except that in certain cases (see "Eligibility" above) the maximum term is five years. Options under the 2001 Plan generally terminate three months after termination of the participant's service with the Company or any affiliate of the Company, unless (i) such termination is due to the participant's permanent and total disability (as defined in the Code), in which case the option may, but need not, provide that it may be exercised (to the extent the option was exercisable at the time of the termination of service) at any time within 12 months of such termination; (ii) the participant dies before the participant's service has terminated or the participant dies within the period, if any, specified in the option agreement after the termination of the participant's service for a reason other than death, in which case the option may, but need not, provide that it may be exercised (to the extent the option was exercisable at the time of the participant's death) by the person or persons to whom the rights to such option pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (x) the date that is 18 months after the participant's death or (y) the expiration of the term of such option as set forth in the option agreement; or (iii) the option by its terms specifically provides otherwise. A participant may designate who may exercise the option following the participant's death. Individual options by their terms may provide for exercise within a longer period of time following termination of service. The option term may also be extended in the event that exercise of the option within these periods is prohibited for specified reasons. The option term generally is extended in the event that exercise of the option within these periods is prohibited.

        An option agreement may provide that if the exercise of the option following the termination of the participant's service would be prohibited because the issuance of stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), then the option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the option or (ii) three months after the termination of the participant's service during which the exercise of the option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.

Terms of Purchases of Restricted Stock

        Payment.    The Board determines the purchase price under a restricted stock purchase agreement but the purchase price (i) may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the award is made or on the date of purchase and (ii) may not be less than or equal to the net asset value per share of the Company's common stock on the date of purchase.

        The purchase price of stock acquired pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement under the 2001 Plan must be paid either (i) in cash at the time of purchase, (ii) at the discretion of the Board, pursuant to a promissory note or other similar arrangement or (iii) in any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Board.

        Vesting.    Shares of stock sold under the 2001 Plan may, but need not be, subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule as determined by the Board. The Board has the power to accelerate the vesting of stock acquired pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement under the 2001 Plan.

        Restrictions on Transfer.    Rights to acquire shares of capital stock under the restricted stock purchase agreement are transferable only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the restricted stock purchase agreement, as the Board shall determine in its discretion, so long as the stock awarded under the restricted stock purchase agreement remains subject to the terms of the restricted stock purchase agreement.

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Adjustment Provisions

        In the event any change is made in the common stock subject to the 2001 Plan, or subject to any stock award, as a result of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other transaction not involving receipt of consideration by the Company, the 2001 Plan will be appropriately adjusted as to the class and maximum number of shares of common stock subject to the 2001 Plan and the Section 162(m) Limitation, and outstanding awards will be appropriately adjusted as to the class, number of shares and price per share of common stock subject to such outstanding awards.

Effect of Certain Corporate Transactions

        The 2001 Plan provides that, in the event of a disposition of substantially all of the assets of the Company, specified types of merger, or other corporate reorganization (collectively, a "corporate transaction"), any surviving or acquiring corporation shall either assume any awards outstanding under the 2001 Plan or substitute similar awards for those outstanding under the 2001 Plan. If any surviving or acquiring corporation declines to assume awards outstanding under the 2001 Plan, or to substitute similar awards, then with respect to participants whose service with the Company or any of its affiliates has not terminated, the vesting and the time during which such awards may be exercised will be accelerated in full and the options will terminate if not exercised at or prior to the effective date of the corporate transaction. The acceleration of an award in the event of a corporate transaction may be viewed as an anti-takeover provision, which may have the effect of discouraging a proposal to acquire or otherwise obtain control of the Company. In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding stock awards will terminate immediately prior to such event.

Duration, Amendment and Termination

        The Board may suspend or terminate the 2001 Plan without stockholder approval or ratification at any time. Unless sooner terminated, the 2001 Plan will terminate on June 1, 2011.

        The Board may also amend the 2001 Plan at any time or from time to time. However, no amendment will be effective unless approved by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months before or after its adoption by the Board to the extent stockholder approval is necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or any Nasdaq or other securities exchange listing requirements. The Board may in its sole discretion submit any other amendment to the 2001 Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code regarding the exclusion of performance-based compensation from the limitation on the deductibility of compensation paid to certain employees.

Restrictions on Transfer

        A participant in the 2001 Plan may not transfer an incentive stock option other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of a participant, an incentive stock option may be exercised only by the participant. A nonstatutory stock option is transferable to the extent provided in the option agreement. If the option agreement for a nonstatutory stock option does not provide for transferability, then the nonstatutory stock option is not transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and is exercisable during the lifetime of the participant only by the participant. In addition, shares subject to repurchase by the Company under an early exercise stock purchase agreement may be subject to restrictions on transfer that the Board deems appropriate.

        Rights under a restricted stock purchase agreement may be transferred only on such terms and conditions as the Board may provide in the restricted stock purchase agreement.

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Federal Income Tax Information

        Long-term capital gains currently are subject to lower tax rates than ordinary income or short-term capital gains. The maximum long-term capital gains rate for federal income tax purposes is currently 20% while the maximum ordinary income rate and short-term capital gains rate is effectively 38.6%. Slightly different rules may apply to participants who acquire stock subject to certain repurchase options or who are subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

        Incentive Stock Options.    Incentive stock options under the 2001 Plan are intended to be eligible for the favorable federal income tax treatment accorded "incentive stock options" under the Code.

        There generally are no federal income tax consequences to the participant or the Company by reason of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. However, the exercise of an incentive stock option may increase the participant's alternative minimum tax liability, if any.

        If a participant holds stock acquired through exercise of an incentive stock option for at least two years from the date on which the option is granted and at least one year from the date on which the shares are transferred to the participant upon exercise of the option, any gain or loss on a disposition of such stock will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the participant held the stock for more than one year.

        Generally, if the participant disposes of the stock before the expiration of either of these holding periods (a "disqualifying disposition"), then at the time of disposition the participant will realize taxable ordinary income equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of the stock's fair market value on the date of exercise over the exercise price, or (ii) the participant's actual gain, if any, on the purchase and sale. The participant's additional gain or any loss upon the disqualifying disposition will be a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the stock was held for more than one year.

        To the extent the participant recognizes ordinary income by reason of a disqualifying disposition, the Company will generally be entitled (subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation) to a corresponding business expense deduction in the tax year in which the disqualifying disposition occurs.

        Nonstatutory Stock Options and Restricted Stock Purchase Awards.    Nonstatutory stock options and restricted stock purchase awards granted under the 2001 Plan will generally have the following federal income tax consequences:

        There are no tax consequences to the participant or the Company by reason of the grant. Upon acquisition of the stock, the participant normally will recognize taxable ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the stock's fair market value on the acquisition date over the purchase price. However, to the extent the stock is subject to certain types of vesting restrictions, the taxable event will be delayed until the vesting restrictions lapse unless the participant elects to be taxed on receipt of the stock. With respect to employees, the Company is generally required to withhold from regular wages or supplemental wage payments an amount based on the ordinary income recognized. Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, the Company will generally be entitled to a business expense deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the participant.

        Upon disposition of the stock, the participant will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the selling price and the sum of the amount paid for such stock plus any amount recognized as ordinary income upon acquisition (or vesting) of the stock. Such gain or loss will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the stock was held for more than one year. Slightly different rules may apply to participants who acquire stock subject to certain repurchase options or who are subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

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        Potential Limitation on Company Deductions.    Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid to certain "covered employees" in a taxable year to the extent that compensation to such covered employee exceeds $1 million. It is possible that compensation attributable to awards, when combined with all other types of compensation received by a covered employee from the Company, may cause this limitation to be exceeded in any particular year.

        Certain kinds of compensation, including qualified "performance-based compensation," are disregarded for purposes of the deduction limitation. In accordance with Treasury regulations issued under Section 162(m) of the Code, compensation attributable to stock options will qualify as performance-based compensation if the award is granted by a compensation committee comprised solely of "outside directors" and either (i) the plan contains a per-employee limitation on the number of shares for which awards may be granted during a specified period, the per-employee limitation is approved by the stockholders, and the exercise price of the award is no less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant (the 2001 Plan has a stockholder-approved per-employee limit of 800,000 shares during any calendar year) or (ii) the award is granted (or exercisable) only upon the achievement (as certified in writing by the compensation committee) of an objective performance goal established in writing by the compensation committee while the outcome is substantially uncertain, and the award is approved by stockholders.

        Awards to purchase restricted stock will qualify as performance-based compensation under the Treasury regulations only if (i) the award is granted by a compensation committee comprised solely of "outside directors," (ii) the award is granted (or exercisable) only upon the achievement of an objective performance goal established in writing by the compensation committee while the outcome is substantially uncertain, (iii) the compensation committee certifies in writing prior to the granting (or exercisability) of the award that the performance goal has been satisfied and (iv) prior to the granting (or exercisability) of the award, stockholders have approved the material terms of the award (including the class of employees eligible for such award, the business criteria on which the performance goal is based, and the maximum amount—or formula used to calculate the amount—payable upon attainment of the performance goal).

Proposal 3
Ratification Of Selection Of Independent Auditors

        Ernst & Young LLP has audited the Company's financial statements since its inception in 2001. However, on December 5, 2002, the Company dismissed Ernst & Young and engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as its new independent auditor for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003. The Company's decision to change auditors was made by the audit committee of the Board. After careful consideration, the audit committee determined that it was in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to select PricewaterhouseCoopers to serve as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003. The audit committee based its decision in part upon PricewaterhouseCoopers' position as the largest accounting firm in the world and its considerable experience with investment companies. The Board has directed that management submit the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Company's independent auditors for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

        Ernst & Young's reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 and the period from May 30, 2001 (inception) through September 30, 2001 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

        In connection with the audits of the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 and the period from May 30, 2001 (inception) through September 30, 2001, and in the subsequent interim period, there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope and procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young, would have caused Ernst & Young to make reference to the matter in its report. There were no "reportable events" as that term is described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

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        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 and the period from May 30, 2001 (inception) through September 30, 2001, and through the date of the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Company did not consult PricewaterhouseCoopers with respect to the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's consolidated financial statements, or regarding any other matters or reportable events described under Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.

        Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

        Stockholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's independent auditors is not required by the Company's Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board is submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the audit committee and the Board will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee and the Board in their discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

        The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. For purposes of this vote abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been approved.

        Audit Fees.    During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of the Company's financial statements for such fiscal year and for the review of the Company's interim financial statements was $57,195.

        Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees.    During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for information technology consulting fees was $0.

        All Other Fees.    During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for professional services other than audit and information technology consulting fees was $33,777.

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company was not billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for any professional services; however, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has performed certain tax related services for the Company during the current fiscal year.

        The audit committee has determined that the rendering of the information technology consulting services and all other non-audit services by Ernst & Young LLP was compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young's independence and that the rendering of the tax services described above by PricewaterhouseCoopers is compatible with maintaining PricewaterhouseCoopers' independence.

The Board Of Directors Recommends
A Vote In Favor Of Proposal 3.

Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of the Company's common stock as of January 13, 2003 by: (i) each director and nominee for director; (ii) each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table; (iii) all executive officers and directors

15

of the Company as a group; and (iv) all those known by the Company to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of its common stock. Except as otherwise noted, the address of the individuals below is c/o Gladstone Capital Corporation, 1616 Anderson Road, Suite 208, McLean, VA 22102.

*

Less than 1%

(1)

This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, the Company believes that each of the stockholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 10,071,844 shares outstanding on January 13, 2003, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC.

(2)

This information has been obtained from a Schedule 13G filed by Ruane, Cunniff & Co. with the SEC on June 10, 2002. According to the Schedule 13G, Ruane, Cunniff & Co. had sole voting power with respect to 1,274,043 of the 1,304,248 shares reported as beneficially owned.

(3)

Includes 406,666 shares underlying options that are immediately exercisable.

(4)

Includes 106,666 shares underlying options that are immediately exercisable.

(5)

Includes (i) 60,000 shares underlying options that are immediately exercisable and (ii) 40,000 shares underlying options that may be acquired pursuant to early exercise features of the options

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and that vest on September 12, 2003 and are subject to a repurchase right in favor of the Company if the holder does not satisfy the option's vesting requirements. In any event, shares acquired upon an early exercise may not be disposed of until the vesting period has been satisfied.

(6)

Includes 40,000 shares underlying options that are immediately exercisable.

(7)

Excludes 20,000 shares underlying options that we intend to issue to the non-employee director upon the receipt of an order from the SEC approving such grant. Upon grant, 5,000 shares underlying such options will be immediately exercisable. The Company's application to the SEC is currently pending.

(8)

Excludes 10,000 shares underlying options that we intend to issue to the non-employee director upon the receipt of an order from the SEC approving such grant. Upon grant, none of the shares underlying such options will be immediately exercisable. The Company's application to the SEC is currently pending.

(9)

Includes (i) 613,332 shares underlying options that are immediately exercisable and (ii) 40,000 shares underlying options that may be acquired pursuant to early exercise features of the options and that vest on September 12, 2003 and are subject to a repurchase right in favor of the Company if the holder does not satisfy the option's vesting requirements. In any event, shares acquired upon an early exercise may not be disposed of until the vesting period has been satisfied.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

        To the Company's knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with, except that Michela A. English filed a Form 3 late and George Stelljes, III reported one transaction late on Form 4.

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Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

Summary of Compensation

        The following table shows for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 compensation awarded or paid to, or earned by, all the directors and the two highest paid executive officers of the Company (collectively, the "Compensated Persons") in each capacity in which each Compensated Person served. Certain of the Compensated Persons served as both officers and directors of the Company.

Compensation Table

(1)

The Company paid no perquisites to Compensated Persons in excess of the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the Compensated Person's aggregate salary and bonus for the year.

(2)

The Company paid an aggregate of $31,750 in commissions to Medical Funding Corporation, an affiliate of Mr. Parker, in return for employee referrals during the year. For additional information, see Certain Transactions.

(3)

Ms. English joined the board of directors on June 5, 2002.

(4)

Mr. Adelgren joined the board of directors on January 6, 2003.

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Stock Option Grants And Exercises

        The following tables show for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, certain information regarding options granted to, exercised by, and held at year end by the Company's four executive officers (the "Executive Officers"):

Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

(1)

The potential realizable value is based on the term of the option at the time of its grant (10 years). It is calculated by assuming that the stock price on the date of the grant appreciates at the indicated annual rate, compounded annually for the entire term of the option and that the option is exercised and the underlying shares sold on the last day of its term for the appreciated stock price. The amounts represent certain assumed rates of appreciation only, in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and do not reflect the Company's estimate or projection of future stock price performance. Actual gains, if any, are dependent on the actual future performance of the Company's common stock and no gain to the optionee is possible unless the stock price increases over the option term, which will benefit all stockholders.

Aggregated Option Exercises in Fiscal 2002
and Value of Options at End of Fiscal 2002

(1)

Value realized is calculated as the closing market price on the date of exercise, net of option exercise price, but before any tax liabilities or transaction costs.

(2)

The unvested options held by Mr. Stelljes vest on September 12, 2003. Shares underlying unvested options may be acquired pursuant to early exercise features of the options and are subject to a repurchase right in favor of the Company if the executive does not satisfy the option's vesting requirements. In any event, shares acquired upon an early exercise may not be disposed of until the vesting period has been satisfied.

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(3)

The value of unexercised options is calculated as the closing market price on September 30, 2002 less the exercise price. "In-the-money" options are those with an exercise price that is less than the closing market price on September 30, 2002.

Employment Agreements

        In June, 2001, the Company entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Gladstone and Brubaker as senior executive officers of the Company. In September, 2002, the Company also entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Stelljes to serve as the Company's Chief Investment Officer. Each employment agreement provides for a three-year term. The initial three-year term will be extended for additional successive periods of one year, unless the Company gives three months' prior written notice of its intention to terminate the agreement without cause. Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Stelljes each have the right to terminate their respective employment agreement at any time by giving the Company three months' prior written notice.

        The base salary under the employment agreements of Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Stelljes is $200,000 per year. The Board has the right to increase their base salary during the terms of their employment agreements and also, generally, to decrease it, but not below $200,000.

        The employment agreements provide that each of Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Stelljes is entitled to receive a cash bonus of up to 100% of his base salary based upon a determination by the compensation committee of the Board.

        Each of Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Stelljes is also entitled to participate in the Company's 2001 Plan. Pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Brubaker received options to purchase 800,000 shares and 200,000 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock simultaneously with the completion of the Company's initial public offering, and Mr. Stelljes received options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock upon accepting his position as chief investment officer. Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Brubaker's stock options fully vested over the one year period following the date of grant. Mr. Stelljes's stock options were immediately vested with respect to 60,000 shares and the remainder vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

        If the Company should terminate Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker or Stelljes's employment by reason of his disability, he would be entitled to receive, for two years, the difference between his then current base salary plus annual bonus and any long-term disability benefits. Additionally, any unvested options which would have vested within two years of the termination date would immediately vest. All vested options would expire unless exercised (and all outstanding loans resulting from the prior exercise of any options would have to be repaid) within 18 months of the termination date. If the Company should terminate Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker or Stelljes's employment for any reason other than disability or cause, he would be entitled to receive his base salary and annual bonus for a period of two years from the date of termination, although he could choose to forgo the payments and thus obtain a release from non-compete provisions applicable during this period. These payments would also be made if he resigned for good reason, which generally includes the Company's materially and adversely changing his responsibilities and duties or materially breaching its compensation obligations under the employment agreement. Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Stelljes will also receive severance if they are terminated in connection with a change of control or if they are not notified that the employment agreement will be continued upon a change in control. Mr. Gladstone's employment agreement also defines "good reason" as a determination by him of a material difference with the Board. Additionally, any unvested stock options held by Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker or Stelljes would generally vest if employment were terminated for any reason other than a disability or cause or if he resigned with good reason. In the event that Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker or Stelljes's employment were terminated in connection with a

20

change of control, all vested options would expire unless exercised within 12 months of the termination date.

        If Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker or Stelljes dies, his estate will be entitled to receive an amount equal to any bonus received in the year prior to his death. Additionally, he will be considered to have vested on the date of death in those options which would vest within one year of the date of death, and would forfeit any unvested options scheduled to vest after one year from the date of death. All such vested options would expire unless exercised (and all outstanding loans resulting from the prior exercise of any options would have to be repaid) within 18 months of the date of death.

        In the event that the Company should terminate Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker or Stelljes's employment for cause or in the event that he voluntarily terminates his employment for other than good reason, all unvested stock options would be forfeited and he would have no more than 90 days to exercise any vested but unexercised options (and to repay any outstanding loans resulting from the prior exercise of any options).

        Upon termination of employment, Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Stelljes would be subject to certain non-compete covenants. In the case of Mr. Brubaker and Mr. Stelljes, these covenants would generally apply for two years, although should Mr. Brubaker or Mr. Stelljes resign for good reason, the covenants would apply for only one year following the date of resignation. In the case of Mr. Gladstone, the covenants would generally apply for one year. As noted above, during periods when Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker or Stelljes are receiving severance payments from the Company, they may terminate these covenants prohibiting competition by forgoing such severance payments.

        Each of the employment agreements also provides that the officer will maintain the confidentiality of the Company's confidential information during and after the period of his employment.

Compensation of Directors

        As compensation for serving on the Board, each of its non-employee directors receives an annual fee of $10,000 and an additional $1,000 per each meeting of the Board attended, with no additional fee paid in connection with attending committee meetings. In addition, the Company will reimburse its directors for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board. Each non-employee director of the Company is eligible to receive stock option grants under the 2001 Plan. The Company has submitted an application to the SEC for the approval of option grants to its non-employee directors, as required by SEC rules governing business development companies. This application is currently pending. Upon receipt of an order from the SEC approving such grants, each non-employee member of the Board will receive an option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's common stock, the vesting of which will date back to the date that they joined the Board. In addition, following the Company's receipt of the order, each of the Company's non-employee directors who was serving on the date of the Company's 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will receive an additional option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's common stock, with the vesting of such option dating back to the date of the 2002 Annual Meeting. At the time of each annual meeting of stockholders, each incumbent non-employee director shall receive an additional option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the total compensation paid to non-employee directors was $22,000.

        The exercise price of options granted under the 2001 Plan is 100% of the fair market value of the common stock subject to the option on the date of the option grant (except with respect to the grants described above for which the vesting will date back to a prior event). Each option to be issued to the Company's non-employee directors will become exercisable as to 50% of the option shares on the first anniversary of the date of the grant, and will become fully exercisable on the second anniversary of the date of the grant. The term of options granted to the non-employee directors will be ten years. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or a consolidation, acquisition of

21

assets or other change-in-control transaction involving the Company, each option either will continue in effect, if the Company is the surviving entity, or will be assumed or an equivalent option will be substituted by the successor corporation, if the Company is not the surviving entity. If the successor corporation does not assume the options, the vesting of each option will accelerate and the option will terminate if not exercised prior to the consummation of the transaction.

Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on
Executive Compensation

        Section 162(m) of the Code limits the Company to a deduction for federal income tax purposes of no more than $1 million for compensation paid to certain Executive Officers in a taxable year. Compensation above $1 million may be deducted if it is "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of the Code.

        The statute containing this law and the applicable proposed Treasury regulations offer a number of transitional exceptions to this deduction limit for pre-existing compensation plans, arrangements and binding contracts. As a result, the compensation committee believes that at the present time it is quite unlikely that the compensation paid to any executive officer in a taxable year which is subject to the deduction limit will exceed $1 million. Therefore, the compensation committee has not yet established a policy for determining which forms of incentive compensation awarded to its executive officers shall be designed to qualify as "performance-based compensation." The compensation committee intends to continue to evaluate the effects of the statute and any final Treasury regulations and to comply with Code Section 162(m) in the future to the extent consistent with the best interests of the Company.

Compensation Committee Report

        The compensation committee of the Board (the "Committee") is composed of Mr. Parker and Mr. Dullum, neither of whom is currently an officer or employee of the Company. The Committee is responsible for establishing the Company's compensation programs for the Company's executives and other key employees by evaluating their performance and determining compensation policies and levels.

Compensation Philosophy

        The goals of the compensation program are to align compensation with business objectives and performance and to enable the Company to attract, retain and reward executive officers and other key employees who contribute to the long-term success of the Company and to motivate them to enhance long-term stockholder value. Key elements of this philosophy are:

•

The Company pays competitively with leading finance companies with which the Company competes for talent. To ensure that pay is competitive, the Company regularly compares its pay practices with these companies and sets its pay parameters based on this review.



•

The Company maintains annual incentive opportunities sufficient to provide motivation to achieve specific operating goals and to generate rewards that bring total compensation to competitive levels.



•

The Company provides significant equity-based incentives for executives and other key employees to ensure that they are motivated over the long-term to respond to the Company's business challenges and opportunities as owners and not just as employees.

        Base Salary.    The Committee annually reviews each executive officer's base salary. When reviewing base salaries, the Committee considers individual and corporate performance, levels of responsibility, prior experience, breadth of knowledge and competitive pay practices.

22

        Annual Incentives.    The Company maintains an annual incentive award program for executive officers and other key employees of the Company to earn additional annual compensation. The actual incentive award earned depends on the extent to which Company and individual performance objectives are achieved. The Committee and the full Board review and approve the annual performance objectives for the Company and individual officers. No incentive bonuses were accrued or paid to the Company's executive officers for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002.

        The Company's objectives consist of operating, strategic and financial goals that are considered to be critical to the Company's fundamental long-term goal—building stockholder value. For fiscal 2002, these goals were:

•

identifying a sufficient number of prospective investment opportunities;



•

managing the existing investments to provide for a good portfolio; and



•

increasing the dividends to stockholders each year.

        After the end of the fiscal year, the Committee evaluates the degree to which the Company has met its goals and establishes a total incentive award pool. Individual awards are determined by evaluating each participant's performance against objectives and allocating a portion of the award pool based on the participant's contributions during the year. Awards are paid in cash and distributions are made in the October following the performance year.

        Long-Term Incentives.    The Company's long-term incentive program consists of the 2001 Plan. The option program utilizes vesting periods to encourage key employees to continue in the employ of the Company. Through option grants, executives receive significant equity incentives to build long-term stockholder value. Grants are made at 100% of fair market value on the date of grant. Executives receive value from these grants only if the Company's common stock appreciates over the long-term. The size of option grants is determined based on competitive practices at leading companies in the finance industry and the Company's philosophy of significantly linking executive compensation with stockholder interests. In 2002 the Committee granted stock options that will vest over a one-year period to certain of its executive officers. Such grants were intended to provide the incentive to successfully maximize stockholder value over the next several years. The Committee believes this approach creates an appropriate focus on longer term objectives and promotes executive retention.

Corporate Performance and Chief Executive Officer Compensation

        Mr. Gladstone's base salary for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 was $200,000. He was not paid a bonus for the year. In setting this amount, the Committee took into account (i) its belief that Mr. Gladstone is one of the leading CEOs of finance companies who has significant and broad-based experience in the finance industry; (ii) the scope of Mr. Gladstone's responsibilities; and (iii) the Board's confidence in Mr. Gladstone's ability to lead the Company's continued development.

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company achieved some, but not all, of its corporate objectives. The Committee rated Mr. Gladstone's individual performance as above average for this difficult economic period.

Conclusion

        Through the plans described above, a significant portion of the Company's compensation program and Mr. Gladstone's compensation are contingent on Company performance, and realization of benefits is closely linked to increases in long-term stockholder value. The Company remains committed to this philosophy of pay for performance, recognizing that the competitive market for talented executives and the volatility of the Company's business may result in highly variable compensation for a particular time period.

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Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        The Company's compensation committee consists of Mr. Parker and Mr. Dullum, both of whom are independent directors.

Performance Measurement Comparison(1)

        The following graph shows the total stockholder return of an investment of $100 in cash on August 24, 2001 for (i) the Company's common stock, (ii) the Standards & Poor's 500 Index (the "S&P 500") and (iii) the Company's peer group². All values assume reinvestment of the full amount of all dividends and are calculated as of September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2002:

(1)

This Section is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

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(2)

The Company's peer group is composed of Allied Capital Corporation and American Capital Strategies, Ltd. The returns of each company assume reinvestment of dividends and have been weighted according to their respective stock market capitalization for purposes of arriving at a peer group average.

Certain Transactions

        At September 30, 2002, the Company had loans outstanding in the principal amount of $5,900,010 to Mr. Gladstone, $1,400,010 to Mr. Brubaker and $150,000 to Mr. Brill, each of whom is an executive officer of the Company. These loans were extended in connection with the exercise of stock options by each of the executive officers. Each such loan is evidenced by a full recourse promissory note secured by the shares of common stock purchased upon the exercise of the options. The interest rate on each such loan is 4.9% per annum. Interest is due quarterly and each of the executive officers has made each of his quarterly interest payments to date. The outstanding principal amount of each loan is due and payable in cash on August 23, 2010.

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company paid an aggregate of $31,750 in personnel referral fees to Medical Funding Corporation which operates a franchise of Snelling Personnel Agency. Anthony Parker, a non-employee director of the Company, is the founder, president and chairman of Medical Funding Corporation. The Company believes that the terms of the arrangement between the Company and Medical Funding Corporation are no less favorable than the Company would be able to obtain from a disinterested third party. The rates that Medical Funding Corporation charges to the Company are the same as it charges to its unaffiliated clients.

        In its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Company has agreed to indemnify certain officers and directors by providing, among other things, that the Company will indemnify such officer or director, under the circumstances and to the extent provided for therein, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines and settlements he or she may be required to pay in actions or proceedings in which he or she is or may be made a party by reason of his or her position as a director, officer or other agent of the Company, and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under Maryland law and the Company's Bylaws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnification provisions shall not protect any officer or director from liability to the Company or its stockholders as a result of any action that would constitute willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of such officer's or director's duties, or reckless disregard of his or her obligations and duties.

Other Matters

        The Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

January 17, 2003

        A copy of the Company's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 is available without charge upon written request to: Corporate Secretary, Gladstone Capital Corporation, 1616 Anderson Road, Suite 208, McLean, Virginia 22102.

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APPENDIX A

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

THIRD AMENDMENT TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Approved By Board of Directors: December 5, 2002
Presented to Stockholders for Approval: February 24, 2003

        1.    Section 4(a) of the Plan shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        (a)  Share Reserve. Subject to the provisions of Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the capital stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall be two million (2,000,000) shares of capital stock. Stock Awards shall be comprised of Common Stock or Preferred Stock as determined by the Board in its discretion.

        2.    Except as set forth in this Third Amendment, the Plan shall be unaffected hereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

26

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Adopted: June 2, 2001
Amended and Restated: July 23, 2001
Approved By Stockholders: July 23, 2001
Termination Date: June 1, 2011

1.    Purposes.

        (a)    Eligible Stock Award Recipients.    The persons eligible to receive Stock Awards are the Employees and Directors of the Company and its Affiliates. Stock Awards to Non-Employee Directors must be approved by order of the Commission as provided by Section 61(a)(3)(B(I)(II) of the Investment Company Act.

        (b)    Available Stock Awards.    The purpose of the Plan is to provide a means by which eligible recipients of Stock Awards may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Company's capital stock through the granting of the following Stock Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options, and (iii) rights to acquire restricted stock.

        (c)    General Purpose.    The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services of the group of persons eligible to receive Stock Awards, to secure and retain the services of new members of this group and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its Affiliates.

2.    Definitions.

        (a)  "Affiliate" means any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, whether now or hereafter existing, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.

        (b)  "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        (c)  "Capitalization Adjustment" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 11(a).

        (d)  "Change in Control" means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

          (i)  any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction;

        (ii)  there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, outstanding voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction;

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      (iii)  the stockholders of the Company approve or the Board approves a plan of complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or a complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company shall otherwise occur;

        (iv)  there is consummated a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or

        (v)  individuals who, on the date this Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; (provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board).

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the "Subject Person") exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to occur.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Stock Awards subject to such agreement (it being understood, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply).

        (e)  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

        (f)    "Committee" means a committee of one or more members of the Board appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 3(c).

        (g)  "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

        (h)  "Company" means Gladstone Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation.

        (i)    "Continuous Service" means that the Participant's service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee or Director, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant's service with the Company or an Affiliate, shall not terminate a Participant's Continuous Service. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to an Employee of an Affiliate or a Director shall not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. The Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party's sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal

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leave. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence shall be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in a Stock Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company's leave of absence policy or in the written terms of the Participant's leave of absence.

        (j)    "Corporate Transaction" means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

          (i)  a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board in its discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

        (ii)  a sale or other disposition of at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding securities of the Company;

      (iii)  a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or

        (iv)  a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.

        (k)  "Covered Employee" means the chief executive officer and the four (4) other highest compensated officers of the Company for whom total compensation is required to be reported to stockholders under the Exchange Act, as determined for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

        (l)    "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

        (m)  "Disability" means the permanent and total disability of a person within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

        (n)  "Employee" means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. Service as a Director or payment of a director's fee by the Company or an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company or an Affiliate.

        (o)  "Entity" means a corporation, partnership or other entity.

        (p)  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        (q)  "Exchange Act Person" means any natural person, Entity or "group" (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that "Exchange Act Person" shall not include (A) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company.

        (r)  "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of the capital stock determined as follows:

          (i)  If the class of capital stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, the Fair Market Value of a share of such capital stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the capital stock) on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable.

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        (ii)  In the absence of such markets for the capital stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Board.

        (s)  "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

        (t)  "Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940.

        (u)  "Non-Employee Director" means a Director who either (i) is not a current Employee or Officer of the Company or its parent or a subsidiary, does not receive compensation (directly or indirectly) from the Company or its parent or a subsidiary for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act ("Regulation S-K")), does not possess an interest in any other transaction as to which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K and is not engaged in a business relationship as to which disclosure would be required under Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a "non-employee director" for purposes of Rule 16b-3.

        (v)  "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

        (w)  "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

        (x)  "Option" means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.

        (y)  "Option Agreement" means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

        (z)  "Optionholder" means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

        (aa) "Outside Director" means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee of the Company or an "affiliated corporation" (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code), is not a former employee of the Company or an "affiliated corporation" receiving compensation for prior services (other than benefits under a tax-qualified pension plan), was not an officer of the Company or an "affiliated corporation" at any time and is not currently receiving direct or indirect remuneration from the Company or an "affiliated corporation" for services in any capacity other than as a Director or (ii) is otherwise considered an "outside director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

        (bb) "Own," "Owned," "Owner," or "Ownership" means that a person or Entity shall be deemed to "Own," to have "Owned," to be the "Owner" of, or to have acquired "Ownership" of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

        (cc) "Participant" means a person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

        (dd) "Plan" means this Gladstone Capital Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Equity Incentive Plan.

        (ee) "Preferred Stock" means the preferred stock of the Company.

        (ff)  "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.

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        (gg) "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        (hh) "Stock Award" means any right granted under the Plan, including an Option or a right to acquire restricted stock.

        (ii)  "Stock Award Agreement" means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Stock Award grant. Each Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

        (jj)  "Subsidiary" means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than fifty percent (50%).

        (kk) "Ten Percent Stockholder" means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.

3.    Administration.

        (a)    Administration by Board.    The Board shall administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration to a Committee, as provided in Section 3(c).

        (b)    Powers of Board.    The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

          (i)  To determine from time to time which of the persons eligible under the Plan shall be granted Stock Awards; when and how each Stock Award shall be granted; what type or combination of types of Stock Award shall be granted; the provisions of each Stock Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person shall be permitted to receive Common Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to a Stock Award; and the number of shares of capital stock with respect to which a Stock Award shall be granted to each such person.

        (ii)  To construe and interpret the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.

      (iii)  To amend the Plan or a Stock Award as provided in Section 12.

        (iv)  To terminate or suspend the Plan as provided in Section 13.

        (v)  Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan.

        (c)    Delegation to Committee.    

          (i)  General.    The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees of one (1) or more members of the Board, and the term "Committee" shall apply to any person or persons to whom such authority has been delegated. If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board shall thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such

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resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest in the Board the administration of the Plan.

        (ii)  Section 162(m) and Rule 16b-3 Compliance.    In the discretion of the Board, the Committee may consist solely of two or more Outside Directors, in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code, and/or solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, in accordance with Rule 16b-3. Within the scope of such authority, the Board or the Committee may (1) delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Outside Directors the authority to grant Stock Awards to eligible persons who are either (a) not then Covered Employees and are not expected to be Covered Employees at the time of recognition of income resulting from such Stock Award or (b) not persons with respect to whom the Company wishes to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code and/or (2) delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Non-Employee Directors the authority to grant Stock Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

        (d)    Effect of Board's Decision.    All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith shall not be subject to review by any person and shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

4.    Shares Subject to the Plan.

        (a)    Share Reserve.    Subject to the provisions of Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the capital stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall be six hundred thousand (600,000) shares, subject to increase by 4.5% of the number of shares sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriter's over-allotment option in the initial public offering and any upsizing of the offering up to 20%, for a maximum share reserve of eight hundred twenty-eight thousand (828,000) shares of capital stock. Stock Awards shall be comprised of Common Stock or Preferred Stock as determined by the Board in its discretion.

        (b)    Reversion of Shares to the Share Reserve.    If any Stock Award shall for any reason expire or otherwise terminate, in whole or in part, without having been exercised in full, the shares of capital stock not acquired under such Stock Award shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan.

        (c)    Source of Shares.    The shares of capital stock subject to the Plan may be unissued shares or reacquired shares, bought on the market or otherwise.

5.    Eligibility.

        (a)    Eligibility for Specific Stock Awards.    Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees and Directors.

        (b)    Ten Percent Stockholders.    A Ten Percent Stockholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the capital stock on the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.

        (c)    Section 162(m) Limitation on Annual Grants.    Subject to the provisions of Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, no Employee shall be eligible to be granted Options covering more than three hundred thousand (300,000) shares of capital stock during any calendar year.

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6.    Option Provisions.

        Each Option shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates shall be issued for shares of capital stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

        (a)    Term.    Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date on which it was granted.

        (b)    Exercise Price of an Incentive Stock Option.    Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the exercise price of each Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the capital stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

        (c)    Exercise Price of a Nonstatutory Stock Option.    The exercise price of each Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the capital stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Nonstatutory Stock Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

        (d)    Consideration.    The purchase price of capital stock acquired pursuant to an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and regulations, either (i) in cash at the time the Option is exercised or (ii) at the discretion of the Board at the time of the grant of the Option (or subsequently in the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option) (1) by delivery to the Company of other capital stock, (2) according to a deferred payment or other similar arrangement with the Optionholder which satisfies the requirements of Section 62 of the Investment Company Act, or (3) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, the purchase price of capital stock acquired pursuant to an Option that is paid by delivery to the Company of other capital stock acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, shall be paid only by shares of the capital stock of the Company that have been held for more than six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes). In the case of any deferred payment arrangement, interest shall be compounded at least annually and shall be charged at the minimum rate of interest necessary to avoid (1) the treatment as interest, under any applicable provisions of the Code, of any amounts other than amounts stated to be interest under the deferred payment arrangement, and (2) the treatment of the Option as a variable award for financial accounting purposes.

        (e)    Transferability of an Incentive Stock Option.    An Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

        (f)    Transferability of a Nonstatutory Stock Option.    A Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be transferable by gift, by will, or by the laws of descent and distribution to the extent provided in the

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Option Agreement. The Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

        (g)    Vesting Generally.    The total number of shares of capital stock subject to an Option may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. The provisions of this Section 6(g) are subject to any Option provisions governing the minimum number of shares of capital stock as to which an Option may be exercised.

        (h)    Termination of Continuous Service.    In the event that an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Optionholder's death or Disability), the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Option Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

        (i)    Extension of Termination Date.    An Optionholder's Option Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service (other than upon the Optionholder's death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of capital stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in Section 6(a) or (ii) the expiration of a period of three (3) months after the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.

        (j)    Disability of Optionholder.    In the event that an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's Disability, the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12) months following such termination (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        (k)    Death of Optionholder.    In the event that (i) an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's death or (ii) the Optionholder dies within the period (if any) specified in the Option Agreement after the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service for a reason other than death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Optionholder's estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option upon the Optionholder's death pursuant to Section 6(e) or 6(f), but only within the period ending on the earlier of (1) the date eighteen (18) months following the date of death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (2) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

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        (l)    Early Exercise.    The Option may, but need not, include a provision whereby the Optionholder may elect at any time before the Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates to exercise the Option as to any part or all of the shares of capital stock subject to the Option prior to the full vesting of the Option. Any unvested shares of capital stock so purchased may be subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company or to any other restriction the Board determines to be appropriate. The Company will not exercise its repurchase option until at least six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes) have elapsed following exercise of the Option unless the Board otherwise specifically provides in the Option.

        (m)    Re-Load Options.    

          (i)  Without in any way limiting the authority of the Board to make or not to make grants of Options hereunder, the Board shall have the authority (but not an obligation) to include as part of any Option Agreement a provision entitling the Optionholder to a further Option (a "Re-Load Option") in the event the Optionholder exercises the Option evidenced by the Option Agreement, in whole or in part, by surrendering other shares of capital stock in accordance with this Plan and the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, the Optionholder shall not surrender shares of capital stock acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, unless such shares have been held for more than six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes).

        (ii)  Any such Re-Load Option shall (1) provide for a number of shares of capital stock equal to the number of shares of capital stock surrendered as part or all of the exercise price of such Option; (2) have an expiration date which is the same as the expiration date of the Option the exercise of which gave rise to such Re-Load Option; and (3) have an exercise price which is equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the capital stock subject to the Re-Load Option on the date of exercise of the original Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Re-Load Option shall be subject to the same exercise price and term provisions heretofore described for Options under the Plan.

      (iii)  Any such Re-Load Option may be an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option, as the Board may designate at the time of the grant of the original Option; provided, however, that the designation of any Re-Load Option as an Incentive Stock Option shall be subject to the one hundred thousand dollar ($100,000) annual limitation on the exercisability of Incentive Stock Options described in subsection 10(d) and in Section 422(d) of the Code. There shall be no Re-Load Options on a Re-Load Option. Any such Re-Load Option shall be subject to the availability of sufficient shares of capital stock under subsection 4(a) and the "Section 162(m) Limitation" on the grants of Options under subsection 5(c) and shall be subject to such other terms and conditions as the Board may determine which are not inconsistent with the express provisions of the Plan regarding the terms of Options.

7.    Restricted Stock Award Provisions.

        Each restricted stock purchase agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of the restricted stock purchase agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate restricted stock purchase agreements need not be identical, but each restricted stock purchase agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

        (a)    Purchase Price.    The purchase price of restricted stock awards shall not be less than the capital stock's Fair Market Value on the date such award is made or at the time the purchase is

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consummated and shall be above the current net asset value as defined in rule 2a-4 of the Investment Company Act.

        (b)    Consideration.    The purchase price of capital stock acquired pursuant to the restricted stock purchase agreement shall be paid either: (i) in cash at the time of purchase; (ii) at the discretion of the Board, according to a deferred payment or other similar arrangement with the Participant which satisfies the requirements of Section 62 of the Investment Company Act; or (iii) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board in its discretion; provided, however, that at any time that the Company is incorporated in Delaware, then payment of the Common Stock's "par value," as defined in the Delaware General Corporation Law, shall not be made by deferred payment.

        (c)    Vesting.    Shares of capital stock acquired under the restricted stock purchase agreement may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in favor of the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board.

        (d)    Termination of Participant's Continuous Service.    In the event that a Participant's Continuous Service terminates, the Company may repurchase or otherwise reacquire any or all of the shares of capital stock held by the Participant that have not vested as of the date of termination under the terms of the restricted stock purchase agreement.

        (e)    Transferability.    Rights to acquire shares of capital stock under the restricted stock purchase agreement shall be transferable by the Participant only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the restricted stock purchase agreement, as the Board shall determine in its discretion, so long as capital stock awarded under the restricted stock purchase agreement remains subject to the terms of the restricted stock purchase agreement.

8.    Covenants of the Company.

        (a)    Availability of Shares.    During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of capital stock required to satisfy such Stock Awards.

        (b)    Securities Law Compliance.    The Company shall seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Stock Awards and to issue and sell shares of capital stock upon exercise of the Stock Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award or any capital stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of capital stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell capital stock upon exercise of such Stock Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.

9.    Use of Proceeds from Stock.

        Proceeds from the sale of capital stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall constitute general funds of the Company.

10.    Miscellaneous.

        (a)    Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting.    The Board shall have the power to accelerate the time at which a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Stock Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

        (b)    Stockholder Rights.    No Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of capital stock subject to such Stock Award unless

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and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Stock Award pursuant to its terms.

        (c)    No Employment or other Service Rights.    Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Stock Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause or (ii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

        (d)    Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation.    To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of capital stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.

        (e)    Investment Assurances.    The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of exercising or acquiring capital stock under any Stock Award, (i) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant's knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Stock Award; and (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring capital stock subject to the Stock Award for the Participant's own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the capital stock. The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, shall be inoperative if (1) the issuance of the shares of capital stock upon the exercise or acquisition of capital stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act or (2) as to any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the capital stock.

        (f)    Withholding Obligations.    To the extent provided by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of capital stock under a Stock Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company's right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (i) tendering a cash payment; (ii) authorizing the Company to withhold shares of capital stock from the shares of capital stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of capital stock under the Stock Award; provided, however, that no shares of capital stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lesser amount as may be necessary to avoid variable award accounting); or (iii) delivering to the Company owned and unencumbered shares of capital stock.

11.    Adjustments upon Changes in Stock.

        (a)    Capitalization Adjustments.    If any change is made in, or other event occurs with respect to, the capital stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Stock Award without the receipt of consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of

37

consideration by the Company (each a "Capitalization Adjustment"), the Plan will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Sections 4(a) and 4(b) and the maximum number of securities subject to award to any person pursuant to Section 5(c), and the outstanding Stock Awards will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of capital stock subject to such outstanding Stock Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. (The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a transaction "without receipt of consideration" by the Company.)

        (b)    Dissolution or Liquidation.    In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, then all outstanding Stock Awards shall terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation.

        (c)    Corporate Transaction.    In the event of a Corporate Transaction, any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation may assume any or all Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan or may substitute similar stock awards for Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan (it being understood that similar stock awards include, but are not limited to, awards to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders or the Company, as the case may be, pursuant to the Corporate Transaction). In the event that any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation does not assume any or all such outstanding Stock Awards or substitute similar stock awards for such outstanding Stock Awards, then with respect to Stock Awards that have been neither assumed nor substituted and that are held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, the vesting of such Stock Awards shall (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction) be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction as the Board shall determine (or, if the Board shall not determine such a date, to the date that is five (5) days prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction), and the Stock Awards shall terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to such effective time. With respect to any other Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan that have been neither assumed nor substituted, the vesting of such Stock Awards shall not be accelerated unless otherwise provided in a written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the holder of such Stock Award, and such Stock Awards shall terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction.

        (d)    Change in Control.    A Stock Award held by any Participant whose Continuous Service has not terminated prior to the effective time of a Change in Control may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability as may be provided in the Stock Award Agreement for such Stock Award or as may be provided in any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration shall occur.

12.    Amendment of the Plan and Stock Awards.

        (a)    Amendment of Plan.    The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the Plan. However, except as provided in Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the stockholders of the Company to the extent stockholder approval is necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

        (b)    Stockholder Approval.    The Board, in its sole discretion, may submit any other amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder regarding the exclusion of performance-based compensation from the limit on corporate deductibility of compensation paid to Covered Employees.

        (c)    Contemplated Amendments.    It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations

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promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options and/or to bring the Plan and/or Incentive Stock Options granted under it into compliance therewith.

        (d)    No Impairment of Rights.    Rights under any Stock Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.

        (e)    Amendment of Stock Awards.    The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards; provided, however, that the rights under any Stock Award shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.

13.    Termination or Suspension of the Plan.

        (a)    Plan Term.    The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall terminate on the day before the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board or approved by the stockholders of the Company, whichever is earlier. No Stock Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

        (b)    No Impairment of Rights.    Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the Participant.

14.    Effective Date of Plan.

        The Plan shall become effective as determined by the Board, but no Stock Award shall be exercised unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval shall be within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.

15.    Choice of Law.

        The law of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state's conflict of laws rules.

16.    Investment Company Act.

        No provision of this Equity Incentive Plan will contravene any portion of the Investment Company Act. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan and the Investment Company Act, the applicable section of the Investment Company Act shall control and all Stock Awards under the Plan shall be so modified. All participants holding such modified Stock Awards shall be notified of the change to their Stock Awards and such change shall be binding on such Participants.

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GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Approved By Board of Directors: August 8, 2001
Approved By Stockholders: August 8, 2001

        1.    Section 4(a) of the Plan shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        (a) Share Reserve. Subject to the provisions of Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the capital stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall be one million two hundred fifty thousand (1,250,000) shares, subject to increase by 20% of the number of shares sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriter's over-allotment option in the initial public offering and any upsizing of the offering up to 20%, for a maximum share reserve of one million five hundred thousand (1,500,000) shares of capital stock. Stock Awards shall be comprised of Common Stock or Preferred Stock as determined by the Board in its discretion.

        2.    Section 5(c) of the Plan shall be amended to increase the maximum number of Options that an Employee shall be eligible to be granted during any calendar year to Options covering no more than eight hundred thousand (800,000) shares of capital stock.

        3.    Except as set forth in this First Amendment, the Plan shall be unaffected hereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

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GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDMENT TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Approved By Board of Directors: September 23, 2002

        1.    Section 2(r) of the Plan shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        (r)  "Fair Market Value" or "Current Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of the capital stock determined as follows:

          (i)  If the class of capital stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, the Fair Market Value of a share of such capital stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the capital stock) on the day of grant, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable.

        (ii)  In the absence of such market value, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Board, but shall in no event be less than the current net asset value per share of such stock.

        2.    Except as set forth in this Second Amendment, the Plan shall be unaffected hereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

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DETACH PROXY CARD HERE

GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 24, 2003

        The undersigned hereby appoints David Gladstone and Terry Brubaker, and each of them, as attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of stock of Gladstone Capital Corporation which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Gladstone Capital Corporation to be held at the Third Floor Conference Room of the company's principal executive office at 1616 Anderson Road, McLean, VA 22102 on Monday, February 24, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. (local time), and at any and all postponements, continuations and adjournments thereof, with all powers that the undersigned would possess if personally present, upon and in respect of the following matters and in accordance with the following instructions, with discretionary authority as to any and all other matters that may properly come before the meeting.

        Unless a contrary direction is indicated, this proxy will be voted in favor of each of the nominees listed in Proposal 1, for Proposal 2 and for Proposal 3, as more specifically described in the proxy statement. If specific instructions are indicated, this proxy will be voted in accordance therewith.

(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)

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