SEC Seeks Candidates for Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee

USA: SEC Seeks Candidates for Small Business Advisory Committee

A call for applications has been issued to fill vacancies on the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, a body that advises the Commission on rules, regulations, and policy matters affecting emerging private firms and smaller public companies. The announcement was released on Jan. 21, 2026, and interested individuals must submit their letters of interest by Feb. 20, 2026. The committee operates under the SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016 and seeks to represent a diverse spectrum of leaders, investors, and advisors. The purpose of the recruitment is to strengthen the Commission’s ability to address capital formation challenges for small businesses across the United States.

Committee Background

The advisory committee was created by the SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016 to provide a formal channel for stakeholder input on securities matters that impact small and emerging enterprises. Since its inception, the panel has convened periodically to review proposals and offer recommendations that shape the SEC’s regulatory agenda.

Advisory Focus Areas

Members are tasked with reviewing issues related to capital raising by emerging, privately held small businesses and publicly traded companies with less than $250 million in public market capitalization, trading of securities issued by such entities, and the public reporting and corporate‑governance requirements that apply to them.

Chairman’s Statement

“The Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee serves the important function of advising the Commission on achieving its three‑part mission,” SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins said. “I am grateful to the committee for elevating the voices of America’s entrepreneurs. I look forward to welcoming new members and continuing to work with current members to improve pathways for small businesses to obtain the capital that they need to grow their companies in both the private and public markets.”

Eligibility Criteria

Potential applicants may include representatives of emerging companies engaged in private or limited securities offerings, professional advisors such as attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, and financial consultants, as well as investors who have participated in pre‑IPO or post‑IPO financing. Service as an officer or director of a small business, or experience with smaller public companies and their market participants—including exchanges, alternative trading systems, broker‑dealers, and transfer agents—also qualifies.

Application Procedure

Interested parties are instructed to email a letter of interest to smallbusiness@sec.gov, outlining their relevant experience and qualifications. The submission must be received by the Feb. 20, 2026 deadline for consideration.

Implications for Emerging Companies

The addition of new members is expected to broaden the range of perspectives that inform the SEC’s approach to capital formation, potentially influencing rulemaking on topics such as disclosure requirements, market access, and investor protection for smaller issuers.

Future Timeline

The Commission plans to review all applications shortly after the deadline and will announce the selected candidates in the weeks that follow. Newly appointed members will begin their service in accordance with the committee’s established schedule, which includes quarterly meetings and ongoing consultations with SEC staff.

This report is based on information from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.