Washington, D.C., Oct. 21, 2008 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it will hold its annual forum on small business capital formation on Nov. 20, 2008, at its Washington, D.C., headquarters.
The SEC forum will focus on the impact of recent capital market events on small business capital formation in the United States. In particular, the participants at the forum will consider the small business impact of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, ways to eliminate or reduce impediments in the capital-raising process for smaller companies, and the effects of mark-to-market accounting on small businesses.
"This forum will continue to provide insightful recommendations on how the SEC and other federal agencies may assist small business capital formation," said Gerald Laporte, Chief of the SEC's Office of Small Business Policy. "Since 1982, this forum has served as an important way for the Commission and its staff to receive input on ways to improve access to capital for small businesses."
The forum will begin at 9 a.m. ET and will include roundtable discussions and breakout group sessions where participants will work together to formulate specific policy recommendations. The recommendations will be considered by the Commission and also will be sent to Congress and referred to other government agencies if they involve matters other than the federal securities laws.
The public can suggest specific topics and recommendations for consideration at this year's forum by e-mailing the SEC's Office of Small Business Policy at SmallBusiness@sec.gov. Suggestions also can be mailed to that office at the agency's headquarters at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-3628.
The forum is open to the public, and registration information to attend the forum is available on the SEC Web site. The event also will be webcast live on the SEC Web site. Roundtable participants and the final agenda will be announced at a later date.