Stay Ahead of the Class with the SEC’s Small Business Resources

Ready to take the first step in your capital-raising journey? Whether you’re starting with the basics or ready to graduate top of the class, our #SECSmallBiz Team has resources to help each step of the way!

Building Your Capital-Raising Knowledge

Learn the fundamentals with our Capital-Raising Building Blocks!  Make it an open book exam with these “one-pagers” that break down capital-raising topics into plain language, from start up to small cap. Check out topics like:        

• What does the SEC have to do with my private company?

  Small businesses can raise capital in a variety of ways, including through the sale of securities. The SEC regulates the offer and sale of all securities. Learn what this means for your small business. 

• What pathways are available to raise capital from investors?

  Securities offerings must be registered with the SEC or fall under an exemption. Explore different exemptions and offering pathways.

• How do private funds provide capital to early-stage companies?   

  A private fund is an entity created to pool money from multiple investors. Learn what laws apply to different aspects of a private funds operations.

• What does it mean to be a public company?

  Thinking about pursuing an initial public offering, or “IPO”? Before your business goes public, consider what life as a public company entails with our Public Companies and Ready to Go Public building blocks!

• How can I comment on rules the SEC proposes to adopt?

  When the SEC publishes a proposed rule, or otherwise invites comments from the public, you can submit a written comment during the comment period. Learn more about how to make your voice heard.

Navigate the Pathways

Still not sure which way to gym class? We aren’t either, but we CAN help you navigate which capital-raising pathways may be right for your small business. Use our interactive navigator tool to explore your options! Just answer a few questions (you won’t be graded!) and our user-friendly tool will guide you through the most relevant pathways for your small business.

Cut through the Jargon

Learning the SEC rules and regulations for raising capital from investors can feel like an alphabet soup of acronyms and buzz words. Don’t get caught without the answers! Look no further than our curated glossary for definitions of key capital raising terminology.

Make New Friends

We all like sitting with our besties in the lunchroom, but don’t be afraid to branch out! Networking is critical to finding the right leads. Learn tips in our Let’s Talk Networking series, a collection of brief videos where founders and funders share insights on how to create impactful and lasting connections, the importance of being prepared, why you need a digital presence, and how to put yourself out there! Search SEC Videos, “networking” or visit our small business video collection to browse these and other topics.

We have everything you need for study hall. Find these resources and more on our resources page. You’ve got this!