Exhibit 99


From:

Ameritrans Capital Corporation
For More Information Contact:
Gary C. Granoff
1-(800)-214-1047


For Immediate Release
Ameritrans Capital Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend
On 9 3/8 % Preferred Stock

New York, NY, March 21, 2006 - The board of directors of Ameritrans Capital
Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTC, AMTCP) has declared a dividend of $0.28125 per
share on its 9 3/8% cumulative participating redeemable Preferred Stock for
the period January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2006.  The dividend is payable
on or about April 17, 2006 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2006.
The dividend is being declared from estimated earnings for the period ending
March 31, 2006.


Ameritrans Capital Corporation is a specialty finance company engaged in
making loans to, and investments in, small businesses.  Ameritrans'
wholly-owned subsidiary, Elk Associates Funding Corporation, has been
licensed by the United Stated Small Business Administration as
a Small Business Investment Company since 1980.  The company maintains its
offices at 747 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10017.
# # #

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such
statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those presently anticipated or
projected.  Ameritrans Capital Corporation cautions investors not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as to
management's expectations on this date.