<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10 - Q


[x]   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934 For the Period Ended June 30, 1999
                                                -------------
                                       or
[ ]   Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934 for the Transition Period From        to
                                                          ------    ------


                         Commission File Number 33-89506
                                                --------

                         BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

          DELAWARE                                               52-1915821
          --------                                               ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

                 100 Second Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
                 ----------------------------------------------
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                                 (319) 365-2506
                                 --------------
               Registrant's telephone number, including area code:



Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X  No
                                      ---    ---


                      APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practical date.
Shares of Beneficial Interest -    10,541 shares as of August 10, 1999


<PAGE>   2

                                                                          Page 2

                         BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I
                                      INDEX

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                             PAGE
------------------------------                                             ----

Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):

               Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities -
               June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998                            3

               Consolidated Statements of Operations -
               three months ended June 30, 1999 and June 30, 1998             4

               Consolidated Statements of Operations -
               six months ended June 30, 1999 and June 30, 1998               5

               Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets -
               six months ended June 30, 1999 and June 30, 1998               6

               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
               six months ended June 30, 1999 and June 30, 1998               7

               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                     8

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
              Results of Operations                                          13

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk           15


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
--------------------------

Item 1.  Legal proceedings                                                   16
Item 2.  Changes in securities - none                                        17
Item 3.  Defaults upon senior securities - none                              17
Item 4.  Submission of matters to a vote of shareholders - none              17
Item 5.  Other information - none                                            17
Item 6.  Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K                                    17
         a.  Exhibits - none
         b.  No report on Form 8-K was filed for the quarter ended June 30, 1999

SIGNATURES                                                                   18


<PAGE>   3
                                                                          Page 3


                         BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I

          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               June 30, 1999  December 31, 1998
                                               -------------  -----------------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
ASSETS

Investments in securities (Note B)              $12,000,728   $ 9,060,728
Cash                                                236,093        31,663
Temporary investment in money
    market securities                               550,034     3,187,453
Interest and dividends receivable                    83,783        35,382
Deferred financing costs                             71,364           --
Other assets                                          1,884        66,216
                                                -----------   -----------
Total Assets                                     12,943,886    12,381,442
                                                -----------   -----------


LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and other accrued expenses          22,147        25,232
Distributions payable to shareholders             1,176,603     1,092,940
Due to affiliate                                     79,144        71,560
Debenture (Note C)                                1,000,000           --
                                                -----------   -----------
Total Liabilities                                 2,277,894     1,189,732
                                                -----------   -----------


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NET ASSETS (equivalent to $1,011.86 per share
   in 1999 and $1,061.73 per share in 1998)     $10,665,992   $11,191,710
                                                ===========   ===========

Net assets consist of:
Shares of beneficial interest (25,000 shares
   authorized;  10,541 shares issued
   and outstanding)                             $ 6,056,611   $ 6,474,786
Undistributed net investment income               4,609,381     4,716,924
                                                -----------   -----------
                                                $10,665,992   $11,191,710
                                                ===========   ===========
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>   4
                                                                          Page 4




                         BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                               JUNE 30, 1999  JUNE 30, 1998
                                               -------------  -------------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>
REVENUES:
     Interest income                              $ 120,433    $ 143,304
     Dividend income                                 21,917          -0-
     Other income                                       667        2,666
                                                  ---------    ---------
         Total revenues                             143,017      145,970
                                                  ---------    ---------

EXPENSES:
     Management and administrative fees              85,544       55,270
     Trustee fees                                     8,000       10,000
     Data processing                                  1,800        1,800
     Auditing and accounting fees                    10,560        9,571
     Legal expense                                   65,974       23,161
     Amortization of financing costs                  2,727          -0-
     Other general and administrative expenses       18,931       10,605
     Interest and financing fees                      4,388          -0-
                                                  ---------    ---------
         Total expenses                             197,924      110,407
                                                  ---------    ---------

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) AND
     NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
     RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS                      (54,907)      35,563
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE
     IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (NOTEA)                    -0-          -0-
                                                  ---------    ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS             $ (54,907)   $  35,563
                                                  =========    =========

PER BENEFICIAL SHARE AMOUNTS:
Net investment income (loss) from operations      $   (5.21)   $    3.37
Cumulative effect of a change
     in accounting principle                            -0-          -0-
                                                  ---------    ---------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)                      $   (5.21)   $    3.37
                                                  =========    =========

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES                              10,541       10,541
                                                  =========    =========

PRO FORMA AMOUNTS APPLYING THE METHODOLOGY
     OF ORGANIZATION COSTS RETROACTIVELY:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets             $ (54,907)   $  35,563
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
     per beneficial share                         $   (5.21)   $    3.37
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>   5
                                                                          Page 5


                         BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                          JUNE 30, 1999  JUNE 30, 1998
                                                          -------------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
     Interest income                                         $ 262,554    $ 286,451
     Dividend income                                            21,917          -0-
     Other Income                                               15,677        5,166
                                                             ---------    ---------
         Total revenues                                        300,148      291,617
                                                             ---------    ---------

EXPENSES:
     Management and administrative fees                        170,386      110,804
     Trustee fees                                               17,000       18,000
     Data processing                                             3,600        3,600
     Auditing and accounting fees                               16,260       14,488
     Legal expense                                             104,161       27,489
     Amortization of financing costs                             3,636          -0-
     Other general and administrative expenses                  54,445       13,719
     Interest and financing fees                                 4,388          -0-
                                                             ---------    ---------
         Total expenses                                        373,876      188,100
                                                             ---------    ---------

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) AND
     NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
     RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS                                 (73,728)     103,517
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE
     IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (NOTE A)                          (33,817)         -0-
                                                             ---------    ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                        $(107,545)   $ 103,517
                                                             =========    =========

PER BENEFICIAL SHARE AMOUNTS:
Net investment income (loss) from operations                 $   (6.99)   $    9.82
Cumulative effect of a change
     in accounting principle                                     (3.21)         -0-
                                                             ---------    ---------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)                                 $  (10.20)   $    9.82
                                                             =========    =========

Weighted average shares                                         10,541       10,541
                                                             =========    =========

PRO FORMA AMOUNTS APPLYING THE METHODOLOGY
     OF ORGANIZATION COSTS RETROACTIVELY:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets                        $ (73,728)   $ 103,517
Net increase (decrease) in net assets per beneficial share   $   (6.99)   $    9.82
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   6
                                                                          Page 6
                         BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I

          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                 JUNE 30, 1999                    JUNE 30, 1998
                                               --------------------             -------------------

                                           Shares of                        Shares of
                                           Beneficial                      Beneficial
                                             Interest      Amount             Interest    Amount
                                           ----------      ------          -----------    ------


<S>                                           <C>      <C>                   <C>      <C>
Net investment income (loss) and
         net increase in assets
         resulting from operations              --     $    (73,728)           --     $    103,517


Distributions payable to shareholders           --         (418,173)           --         (418,173)

Cumulative effect of a change in
         accounting principle                   --          (33,817)           --             --

Net assets at beginning of period             10,541     11,191,710          10,541      6,590,958
                                              ------   ------------          ------   ------------


Net assets at end of period                   10,541   $ 10,665,992          10,541   $  6,276,302
                                              ======   ============          ======   ============
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>   7
                                                                          Page 7


                         BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      SIX MONTHS ENDED    SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                        JUNE 30, 1999       JUNE 30, 1998
                                                      ----------------    ----------------
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net increase (decrease) in net assets                $  (107,545)       $   103,517
   Adjustments to reconcile net investment income
         to net cash flows from operating activities:
   Amortization of organizational and financing costs         3,636                880
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
   Temporary investment in money market securities        2,637,419            824,147
   Other assets                                              64,332             (3,157)
   Interest and dividend receivable                         (48,401)           (24,824)
   Due to affiliate                                           7,584             29,720
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses                     (3,085)           (12,103)
                                                        -----------        -----------
   Net cash flows from operating activities               2,553,940            918,180
                                                        -----------        -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Repayment of VisionComm, Inc. note receivable            700,000                --
   Investment in:
   VisionComm, Inc.                                             --           (200,000)
   Hicklin Engineering, L.C                                     --           (400,000)
   LIVEware5, Inc.                                         (100,000)               --
   Easy Systems, Inc.                                      (700,000)               --
   Sun Star Healthcare, Inc.                               (940,000)               --
   Avant Digital Marketing, Inc.                           (500,000)               --
   Inter-Med, Inc.                                         (500,000)               --
   International Pacific Seafoods, Inc.                    (900,000)               --
                                                        -----------        -----------
   Net cash flows from investing activities              (2,940,000)          (600,000)
                                                        -----------        -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Distribution payments to shareholders                   (334,510)          (269,676)
   SBA commitment and underwriting fees                     (75,000)               --
   Issuance of debenture                                  1,000,000                --
                                                        -----------        -----------
   Net cash flows from financing activities                 590,490           (269,676)
                                                        -----------        -----------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                             204,430             48,504
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                  31,663             15,047
                                                        -----------        -----------
CASH AT END OF PERIOD                                   $   236,093        $    63,551
                                                        ===========        ===========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Noncash financing activities:
   Distributions payable to shareholders                $   418,173        $   418,173
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   8

                                                                          Page 8

BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE A -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Berthel Growth & Income Trust I and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Berthel SBIC, LLC, and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information and with the
instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do
not include all information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements and should be read in
conjunction with the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission for the year ended December 31, 1998. In the opinion of management,
all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary
for a fair representation have been included. Operating results for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for the year ended December 31, 1999.

The preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles necessarily requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Trust is amortizing nonrefundable Leverage fees paid to the U.S. Small
Business Administration ("SBA") over the term of the SBA's commitment to provide
financing to Berthel SBIC, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust. Fees
paid in March 1999 amounted to $50,000 in exchange for the SBA's commitment to
purchase up to $5,000,000 of debentures issued by Berthel SBIC, LLC. The
commitment term expires September 30, 2003. Additional leverage fees (2%) and
underwriting fees (1/2%) are deducted from the proceeds of debentures and are
being amortized through the maturity date of the debenture. Leverage and
underwriting fees of $25,000 were paid from the proceeds of the debenture issued
in June 1999 and are being amortized through September 1, 2009. Accumulated
amortization of leverage and underwriting fees was $3,636 as of June 30, 1999.

Prior to January 1, 1999, the Company capitalized SBIC organization costs and
amortized these costs over the life of the SBIC. The American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-5,
"Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities". SOP 98-5 provides guidance on
the financial reporting of start-up costs and organization costs. SOP 98-5
requires the costs of start-up activities and organization costs to be expensed
as incurred. This SOP is effective for financial statements for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1998. Effective January 1, 1999, the Company
adopted this SOP and has written off SBIC organization costs of $33,817 and
reported this as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the
six month period ended June 30, 1999.



<PAGE>   9
                                                                          Page 9





NOTE B -- INVESTMENTS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               JUNE 30, 1999
                                                                            COST          VALUATION
                                                                         -----------   ------------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>
VISIONCOMM INC.:,
     Warrants to purchase 889,153 shares
         of common stock at $.8414 per share                             $      --     $ 2,808,478

KINSETH HOSPITALITY COMPANY, INC.:
     Note receivable                                                       2,000,000     2,000,000
     Warrants for 25% of the outstanding
         common stock at $0.01 per share                                        --       2,750,000

LIVEWARE5, INC.:
     13,633,333 shares of common stock, no par value and
         warrants for 600,000 shares at $0.01 per share                      400,000       102,250

HICKLIN ENGINEERING, L.C.:
     Subordinated note                                                       400,000       400,000

OBJECT SPACE, INC.:
     108,108 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock                  404,800       400,000

EASY SYSTEMS, INC.:
     Subordinated debenture and warrants to purchase
         290,060 shares of stock at $2.95 per share                          700,000       700,000

SUNSTAR HEALTHCARE, INC.:
     100,000 shares of 10% Series A convertible preferred stock and
         warrants to purchase 100,000 shares common stock at $5.00 and
         20,000 shares of common stock stock at $4.00                        940,000       940,000

INTER-MED, INC.:
     1,340.96 shares of common stock                                         500,000       500,000

AVANT DIGITAL MARKETING, INC.:
     5,000 shares of 8% Series A preferred stock
         plus warrants to purchase 1,323,229 shares
         of common stock for $1,155                                          500,000       500,000

INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC SEAFOODS, INC.:
     12% subordinated note and warrants to purchase
         1,324 shares of common stock for $.76 per share                     900,000       900,000
                                                                         -----------   -----------

                                                                         $ 6,744,800   $12,000,728
                                                                         ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   10

                                                                         Page 10

VISIONCOMM, INC. VisionComm, Inc. ("VisionComm") is primarily engaged in the
telecommunications and private cable television business. On December 1, 1997
and May 14, 1998, the Trust provided $500,000 and $200,000, respectively, in
financing to VisionComm in the form of a 14% 12-month secured note with
warrants. Effective December 1, 1998, the terms of the $500,000 note receivable
were extended due to VisionComm's negotiations for long-term financing
arrangements. VisionComm repaid the notes in April, 1999 with interest.

Warrants to purchase shares of VisionComm common stock were received in
connection with the aforementioned note investments and a previous note
investment that was repaid in 1996 and 1997. Warrants to purchase VisionComm
common stock at $.8414 per share are summarized as follows:

             Number of Shares                  Expiration Date
                 104,529                       April 30, 2003
                  41,811                       September 30, 2003
                 742,813                       April 20, 2007
                 -------
                 889,153
                 =======
All warrants provide for a cashless exercise. The Trust has the right to
purchase approximately 19% of the equity ownership of VisionComm. The Trust,
upon the occurrence of certain conditions, may "put" the warrant shares to
VisionComm, beginning after May 15, 2003. VisionComm warrants are valued at
$3.1586 per share, based on a recent preferred stock market transaction as
adjusted to reflect the differences between preferred and common stock. The
shares of VisionComm common stock referred to in the table have been restated to
reflect a 5.9425 to 1 stock split which was effective July 17, 1998.

KINSETH HOSPITALITY COMPANY, INC. On April 16, 1997, the Trust invested in a
senior secured note issued by Kinseth Hospitality Company, Inc. ("Kinseth"),
which is primarily engaged in the hospitality industry. The six-year note
carries a 14% interest rate with interest only payments with a balloon payment
due May 16, 2003. The Trust received a warrant to purchase 25% of Kinseth's
common stock for $11.80. The warrant expires during 2002. Beginning in 2004, the
common shares may be called by Kinseth at a designated multiple or based on
independent valuations. The Trust can "put" the common shares to Kinseth
beginning May 1, 2003 if the common stock is not listed on a national exchange
or NASDAQ, or prior to May 1, 2003, if other certain conditions are met, at a
price based on fair market value less certain specified provisions. The
valuation of Kinseth warrants reflects improved operating results and expanded
operations.

LIVEWARE5, INC. LIVEware5, Inc. ("LIVEware") is a provider of distance based
corporate education via advanced teleconferencing technologies. On December 31,
1997, the Trust acquired 300,000 shares of LIVEware common stock and warrants to
purchase 600,000 shares of LIVEware common stock at a cost of $300,000. The
exercise price of the warrants is $.01 per share of common stock. During
February 1999 the Trust acquired an additional 13,333,333 shares of common stock
and increased its ownership of outstanding shares from approximately 12% to 33%.
In connection with the February 1999 investment, the investment agreement was
amended to allow certain employees and other stockholders of LIVEware to acquire
additional shares. On a fully diluted basis, the Trust's ownership share could
range from approximately 14% to 18%.



<PAGE>   11

                                                                         Page 11

The warrants will cancel upon LIVEware achieving certain levels of revenues and
pretax profits beginning in fiscal year 2000. Subject to certain restrictions,
the Trust can "put" the common stock and warrants to LIVEware beginning December
11, 2003 at the greater of a designated multiple or fair market value. The
valuation reflects the cost of the most recent transaction.

HICKLIN ENGINEERING, L.C. Hicklin Engineering, L.C. ("Hicklin") specializes in
manufacturing drive train component test equipment and dynometer systems.
Hicklin designs equipment and integrated test systems used to test vehicular
drive train components. On June 30, 1998, the Trust invested $400,000 in a
Hicklin secured 10% subordinated note due June 30, 2003, and a warrant to
purchase 6,857 units of membership interest at an exercise price of $.01. The
note is collateralized by substantially all the assets of Hicklin. The warrant
expires on May 1, 2006. The exercise of these warrants would give the Trust a
6.86% membership interest in Hicklin. The Trust can "put" the warrant shares to
Hicklin beginning June 30, 2003 at a designated multiple or based on independent
valuations.

OBJECTSPACE, INC. ObjectSpace, Inc. provides information technology services to
Fortune 500 companies, assisting its clients in realizing the full potential of
Java for enterprise-level systems. On December 30, 1998, the Trust invested
$404,800 in 108,108 shares of ObjectSpace Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
("Preferred Stock"). The Preferred Stock is subordinated to the claims of other
secured creditors and may be converted into common shares at any time at a price
equal to $3.70 divided by the conversion rate in effect on the date of
conversion. The initial conversion rate was $3.70 per share. Subject to other
investor rights, the Trust can "put" the Preferred Stock to ObjectSpace
beginning January 1, 2003 at a price equal to the greater of fair market value
or the per share sales price, payable over three years earning interest at prime
interest rate.

EASY SYSTEMS, INC. Easy Systems, Inc. ("Easy Systems") is a manufacturer of
mixing and measuring equipment used in agricultural and industrial processes.
During February 1999, the Trust invested $700,000 in 11% unsecured subordinated
debentures due March 1, 2004, of Easy Systems. Interest payments are not
scheduled to begin until March 2000. In addition, the Trust received a warrant
to purchase 290,060 shares of Easy Systems' common stock at an exercise price of
$2.95 per share. The warrant expires on the earlier of February 2009, or upon
the occurrence of a certain specified event. The Trust also received the right
to "put" the shares to Easy Systems upon the occurrence of certain conditions
beginning February, 2004, at the greater of fair market value or a designated
multiple. The right to "put" the shares expires upon the earlier of a specified
event or February, 2009.

SUNSTAR HEALTHCARE, INC. During April 1999, the Trust invested $940,000 in
SunStar Healthcare, Inc. ("SunStar"), an HMO serving the major population
centers of Florida. The Trust appointed Berthel Fisher & Company Financial
Services, Inc. ("BFCFS") as a broker of record and achieved a 6% discount from
the offering price while BFCFS retained 2%. The Trust's investment advisor and
BFCFS are subsidiaries of Berthel Fisher & Company and are therefore related
parties. The Trust purchased 100,000 capital units consisting of one share of
10% Series A Preferred Stock that is convertible into Common Stock and one
warrant to purchase a share of Common Stock. The Preferred Stock is convertible
into common at $3.75 per common share until April 16, 2001, and at



<PAGE>   12

                                                                         Page 12

75% of the 90 day average bid price until April 16, 2002. The minimum conversion
price is $2.75 per common share. SunStar may, at its option, redeem all or any
portion of the Preferred Stock at $15.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid
dividends. The warrants provide for the purchase of one share of common stock at
$5.00 per share until April 16, 2004. BFCFS also allowed the Trust to receive
the broker's portion of warrants which allow purchase of up to 20,000 shares of
SunStar Common Stock at $4.00 per common share until April 16, 2004.

INTER-MED, INC. On May 3, 1999, the Trust invested $500,000 in Inter-Med, Inc.
("Inter-Med"), a manufacturer and importer of products for the U.S. dental
market. The Trust's acquisition of 1,340.96 shares of common stock amounted to
approximately 19.2% of Inter-Med's outstanding common stock. Beginning May,
2006, the Trust may "put" the shares of common stock to Inter-Med at the greater
of fair market value or a designated multiple. Beginning May, 2007, Inter-Med
may elect to purchase ("call") all, but not less than all, of the Inter-Med
common stock owned by the Trust at the greater of fair market value or a
designated multiple. The "put" and "call" rights expire upon the occurrence of a
specified event.

AVANT DIGITAL MARKETING, INC. During June, $500,000 was invested in Avant
Digital Marketing, INC. ("Avant"). Avant creates and delivers tools and services
enabling the convergence of live video, data and e-commerce. Avant does business
as Webcasts.com and plans to change it official corporate name to Webcasts.com,
Inc. in the near future. The investment consists of 5,000 shares of Series A,
8%, Cumulative, Redeemable Preferred Stock, plus warrants to purchase 1,323,229
shares of common stock for $1,155. The warrants expire May 14, 2009. If the
warrants are exercised, the Trust ownership would be approximately 6% on a fully
diluted basis. The investments may be put back to Avant at fair market value
during the period June 2004 through June 2006.

INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC SEAFOODS, INC. $900,000 was invested in International
Pacific Seafoods, Inc. ("IPS") on June 2, 1999. IPS provides seafood and
supplemental products to wholesale, retail and the food service industry. The
Trust received a 12% Subordinated Note due $250,000 on June 1, 2003; $300,000 on
June 1, 2004; and $350,000 on June 1, 2005. In addition to the note, the Trust
received warrants to purchase 1,324 shares of IPS common stock, currently
equivalent to approximately 25% of IPS, at $.76 per common share. The warrants
expire June 1, 2006 and may be exercised only in the case of certain events that
include a public offering or change of control. The Trust has the right to put
the warrants or shares purchased with warrants back to IPS at fair market value
during the period June 2005 through June 2006.

NOTE C -- DEBENTURES

The Trust issued a $1,000,000 debenture that is guaranteed by the SBA during
June 1999. The debenture requires the payment of interest plus a 1% SBA fee
semiannually and matures on September 1, 2009. The interest rate in effect
through September 28, 1999 is 5.798%. The SBA will establish the interest rate
applicable to periods after September 28, 1999 on September 29, 1999. The
debenture is subject to all of the regulations promulgated under the Small
Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended.


<PAGE>   13
                                                                         Page 13




ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Three Months Ended                      Six Months Ended
DESCRIPTION:                                 June 30, 1999    June 30, 1998        June 30, 1999    June 30, 1998
                                             ------------------------------        ------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>                  <C>               <C>
Interest income                               $120,433         $143,304              $262,554          $286,451
Dividend income                                 21,917             --                  21,917              --
Other income                                       667            2,666                15,677             5,166
Management and administrative fees              85,544           55,270               170,386           110,804
Trustee fees                                     8,000           10,000                17,000            18,000
Legal                                           65,974           23,161               104,161            27,489
Other general and administrative expense        18,931           10,605                54,445            13,719
</TABLE>


INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME: Below is a summary of interest and dividend income
earned by the Trust.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Three Months Ended                     Six Months Ended
                                               06/30/99         06/30/98             06/30/99          06/30/98
                                             ------------------------------        ------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>               <C>                  <C>                <C>
Interest income:
       Money Market                          $  10,822         $ 52,913             $  41,604          $108,560
       VisionComm                                1,361           20,281                25,861            37,781
       Hicklin                                  10,000              110                20,000               110
       Kinseth                                  70,000           70,000               140,000           140,000
       Easy Systems                             19,250             --                  26,089              --
       International Pacific Seafoods            9,000             --                   9,000              --
                                             ---------         --------             ---------          --------
       Total Interest Income                 $ 120,433         $143,304             $ 262,554          $286,451
                                             =========         ========             =========          ========

Dividend income:
       SunStar Healthcare                    $  21,917             --               $  21,917              --
                                             =========         ========             =========          ========
</TABLE>


OTHER INCOME: The increase in other income in the six months ended June 30, 1999
is a result of processing fees ($14,000) that were collected in connection with
an investment.

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES: The Trust accrues an annual management fee
equal to 2.5% of the total assets of the Trust paid quarterly. The management
fee increased $59,890 and $30,428 for the six months and quarter ended June 30,
1999, respectively. Increased management fees are a result of increased asset
valuations.

OTHER GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION: Other general and administration expenses


<PAGE>   14

                                                                         Page 14


increased for the six months ended June 30, 1999, reflecting the purchase of
liability insurance for the Trustees and Trust Advisor ($12,240), travel and
meeting expenses of non-control employees of the Trust Advisor to find new
investment opportunities ($22,906), and association dues for the SBIC ($1,560).
During the second quarter travel and meeting expenses increased $13,112 over
1998.

LEGAL: Legal expenses incurred are associated with the structuring and
monitoring of Trust activities and investments. Additional legal charges were
incurred in the second quarter of 1999 in connection with the SRS bankruptcy in
the amount of $42,777 and $73,516 for the year to date. This represents
increases over the same periods of 1998 of $33,149 and $60,319, respectively.

FORMATION OF AN SBIC: On May 4, 1998, Berthel SBIC, LLC (the "SBIC"), a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(43) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, received a license to operate as a Small
Business Investment Company from the Small Business Administration ("SBA"). The
SBIC was formed in 1997. The Trust funded the SBIC with a capital contribution
of $5,000,000, the minimum amount eligible to be contributed in order to receive
leverage under the SBA Small Business Investment Company program.

During March 1999, the SBIC received approval for SBA leverage ("Leverage")
reserved in the form of debentures equal to $5,000,000 to be issued on or prior
to September 30, 2003. In exchange for the approved Leverage, the SBIC paid the
SBA a nonrefundable fee of $50,000 during March, 1999 and the remaining portion
of the Leverage fee in the amount of $100,000 is being deducted pro rata as
proceeds are drawn. Each issuance of Leverage is conditional upon the SBIC's
credit worthiness and compliance with specified regulations, as determined by
the SBA. The SBA may also limit the amounts that may be drawn each year.

YEAR 2000 ISSUE: The Trust recognizes that the arrival of the Year 2000 poses a
unique challenge to the ability of all systems to recognize the date change from
December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000. The Trust has determined that the software
it uses in its operations is compatible with the Year 2000. The cost of making
software compatible with the Year 2000 has been included in the costs of
software billed to the Trust Advisor and is not believed to be material. There
are no non-information technology processes that the Trust has identified which
would affect the Trust's operations. An assessment of the readiness of external
entities which it interfaces with, such as vendors, counterparties, customers,
and others, is ongoing. At the present the Trust Advisor does not contemplate
any specific charges will be incurred for this assessment, but if separate
charges are identified they will be billed to the Trust as incurred. The amount
of such expenditures is not expected to be significant. The Trust does not
expect the Year 2000 impact of external relationships will have a material
adverse impact on the Trust. But, in a worst case scenario, the Trust expects a
Year 2000 related event might delay the processing of cash flows by up to 90
days, but that recovery from the event would not be beyond the Trust's normal
capabilities.

The Trust could incur losses if portfolio companies incur business losses
related to the Year 2000 challenge. In a worst case scenario any investee
company could experience significant disruptions to cash flows and business
processes that would lead to a decrease in the valuation of securities




<PAGE>   15
                                                                         Page 15


issued. No investee company is contractually obligated to become Year 2000
compliant. However, the Trust has contacted all investee companies concerning
their readiness for the Year 2000 and is not aware of any investment valuation
that is impaired as a result of the Year 2000 issue. If the Trust becomes aware
of expected or actual business losses resulting from the Year 2000 challenge it
will make appropriate adjustments to investment valuations at that time.


OTHER TRUST ACTIVITIES:


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED   SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                      JUNE 30, 1999      JUNE 30, 1998
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>
Major Cash Source:
   Repayment of note receivable                       $   700,000      $    --
   Liquidation of money market securities               2,637,419         824,147

Major Cash Use:
   Investments                                        $ 3,640,000      $  600,000
   Distribution payments                                  334,510         269,676
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



Distributions payable of $1,176,603 have been accrued as of June 30, 1999. The
Trust accrued distributions based on 10% simple annual interest computed on a
daily basis from the initial closing (August 30, 1995) until June 21, 1997, the
Final Closing. Since Final Closing, a priority return of 8% simple annual
interest computed on a daily basis has been accrued.

The Trust Advisor is not aware of any regulatory issues that may have a material
impact on the portfolio companies.

ITEM 3.           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Trust's investment objective is to achieve capital appreciation in the value
of its net assets and to achieve current income principally by making
investments through private placements in securities of small and medium sized
privately and publicly owned companies. Securities consist of subordinated debt,
preferred stock, or common stock combined with equity participation in common
stock or rights to acquire common stock. Securities held for investment at June
30, 1999 are not held for trading purposes.

The primary risk of the portfolio is derived from the underlying ability of
investee companies to satisfy debt obligations and their ability to maintain or
improve common equity values. Levels of interest rates are not expected to
impact the Trust's valuations, but could impact the capability of investee
companies to repay debt or create and maintain shareholder value.
<PAGE>   16
                                                                         Page 16



As of June 30, 1999 the portfolio is valued at fair value, as determined by the
Independent Trustees ("Trustees"). In determining fair value for securities and
warrants, investments are initially stated at cost until significant subsequent
events and operating trends require a change in valuation. Among the factors
considered by the Trustees in determining fair value of investments are the cost
of the investment, terms and liquidity of warrants, developments since the
acquisition of the investment, the sales price of recently issued securities,
the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, earnings trends and
consistency of operating cash flows, the long-term business potential of the
issuer, the quoted market price of securities with similar quality and yield
that are publicly traded and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation
of investments. The Trustees relied on financial data of the portfolio companies
provided by the management of the portfolio companies.

The Trust Advisor maintains ongoing contact with management of the portfolio
companies including participation on their Boards of Directors and review of
financial information.

There is no assurance that any investment made by the Trust will be repaid or
re-marketed. Accordingly, at June 30, 1999, the entire portfolio value is at
risk in light of the underlying operations and financial health of investee
companies. At June 30, 1999, the amount at risk was $12,000,728; at December 31,
1998 the amount at risk was $9,060,728. The change is primarily a result of new
investments made during the first six months of 1999. During the first six
months of 1999 the Trust did not change the valuation of any investments held at
December 31, 1998.


At June 30, 1999, the portfolio consisted of the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Cost        Valuation
                                               -----------   -----------
<S>                                            <C>           <C>
Notes and debentures                           $ 4,000,000   $ 4,000,000
Warrants to purchase common stock as a
     result of note and debenture financings           -0-     5,558,478
Preferred stock                                  1,844,800     1,840,000
Common stock                                       900,000       602,250
                                               -----------   -----------
                                               $ 6,744,800   $12,000,728
                                               ===========   ===========
</TABLE>


PART II           OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.       Legal Proceedings

              In 1996 Soil Recovery Services, Inc. ("SRS"), an investee of the
Trust, was forced into involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy by another creditor.
During 1997, there was a foreclosure sale of all real estate and certain
personal property in which the SBA had a first security interest. The Trust's
claim in the bankruptcy proceeding against SRS was discharged in September 1998.
The President of SRS filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the fall of 1998 and the
Trust's claim against him was discharged in March 1999. In the fourth quarter of
1996, the Trust filed a lawsuit against SRS, the President of SRS, Southwest
Merchants Group, the investment banking firm which brought SRS to the Trust and
the principles of that investment firm in the Northern District of Iowa. After
the claims against SRS and the President of SRS were discharged in the
respective bankruptcy
<PAGE>   17


                                                                         Page 17


proceedings, the Trust's remaining claims against Southwest Merchant Group and
its principals were tried to a jury and a verdict was returned on April 19,
1999. The jury did not find in favor of the Trust.


Item 2.    Changes in securities - none

Item 3.    Defaults upon senior securities - none

Item 4.    Submission of matters to a vote of shareholders - none

Item 5.    Other information - none

Item 6.    Exhibits and reports on Form 8-k
           a.  Exhibits - none
           b.  Reports on Form 8-K - none



<PAGE>   18


                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                  BERTHEL GROWTH & INCOME TRUST I
                                         (Registrant)


Date:   August 12, 1999           /s/ Ronald O. Brendengen
        ---------------           ------------------------
                                  Ronald O. Brendengen, Chief Financial Officer,
                                  Treasurer


Date:   August 12, 1999           /s/ Daniel P. Wegmann
        ---------------           ---------------------
                                  Daniel P. Wegmann, Controller