The Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation will host the Securities and Exchange Commission's 40th Annual Government-Business Forum on Small Business Capital Formation virtually from May 24-27, 2021.  Each of the four sessions will feature panelists with in-depth knowledge of the issues facing small businesses across the country, spotlighting the following topics:

Monday, May 24:       Finding Your First Dollars

Tuesday, May 25:       Being a Savvy Investor

Wednesday, May 26:  Small and Emerging Funds

Thursday, May 27:     Small Cap Insights

The Forum website will continue to be updated with details on the agenda, speakers, registration, and FAQs in the coming weeks leading up to the event. New this year, to foster more inclusive and structured discussions, participants are asked to submit feedback and policy recommendations in advance of the Forum. All participants will have the opportunity to review and prioritize submitted policy recommendations during the live event.

"I look forward to hearing from small businesses and their investors at my first Small Business Forum as Chair," said SEC Chair Gary Gensler.  "As the son of a small business owner, I am excited to spotlight the critical role entrepreneurs play in our capital markets ecosystem - providing jobs, spurring innovation, and supporting our communities."

"Our team is thrilled to be hosting the 40th Small Business Forum, where we will hear from a diverse group of entrepreneurs, businesses, and their investors on trends in capital raising," said SEC Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation Martha Legg Miller. "As we examine capital formation policy and solicit feedback from Forum participants, we must ask the critical questions: how is this serving the needs of entrepreneurs and their investors, who is being left behind, and what needs to change?"

How to Participate: Participants should register for the Forum in advance to receive a link to engage in the live virtual event. After registration, participants will receive information about how to submit feedback and policy recommendations to be considered at the event. Information is also available on the Forum website.

About the Forum: The SEC hosts the annual Government-Business Forum on Small Business Capital Formation pursuant to the Small Business Investment Incentive Act of 1980. The Forum is a unique event where members of the public and private sectors gather to craft suggestions for policy affecting emerging businesses and their investors, from startups to smaller public companies. Following the Forum, the Commission delivers a report to Congress that includes a summary of the proceedings and recommendations for changes to improve capital formation. The 2020 Forum Report summarizing the proceedings and recommendations of participants was released on Sept. 14, 2020.