The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it will join the Securities Exchange Commission in cohosting a series of events around the country to help small business owners learn about new opportunities to raise capital under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act. The first event will be hosted by the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business on Sept. 25 from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m. EST.
“We believe that any new, inclusive and innovative paths that help small businesses gain access to the capital they need are good things, but these paths should be implemented with prudence and care,” said Javier Saade, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. “We’re happy to join forces with the SEC to have these important, interactive discussions with small businesses around the country about existing and pending capital raising options under the JOBS Act.”
“Capital is king for small businesses and making it more accessible is a huge part of our mission,” said SBA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Natalia Olson-Urtecho. “Our participation in these events is part of the SBA’s efforts to follow Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet’s call to this agency to be ‘Smart, Bold and Accessible.’”
The JOBS Act events are intended for existing and aspiring small businesses, including minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned small businesses to learn about opportunities to raise capital under the JOBS Act. One change already in place under the JOBS Act allows firms to advertise certain private offerings and another pending change allows firms to offer and sell securities through crowdfunding.
Representatives from SBA’s Offices of Investment and Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development, will join representatives from SEC’s Offices of Small Business Policy, Investor Education and Advocacy and Minority Women Inclusion to cohost the events highlighting additional ways for small businesses to raise funds under current and proposed SEC rules.
The events are free and will give small business owners the opportunity to ask questions of SBA and SEC staff members. Those interested in registering for the Sept. 25 event at the University of Baltimore may do so: here.
