Chicago-based Monroe Capital LLC said it has raised a $250 million debt and equity fund that it’ll use to invest in middle-market businesses as well as woman-and-minority-owned firms in poor communities.

Targets will include companies generating more than $3 million in annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Monroe currently has more than $700 million of assets under management.

Partners in the new fund include pension funds, insurance companies, regional and money center banks, fund of funds, family offices and wealthy individuals.

“We are extremely pleased with the successful close of our new fund in a very challenging 2010 fundraising environment,” Monroe President Ted Koenig said.

byerak@tribune.com