September 19, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) – The Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA), the leading association for lower middle market private equity funds and investors, is pleased to announce the hire of Stephanie McAlaine as Chief Membership Officer and Executive Director of a soon to be announced new platform, the Independent Sponsor Forum. Stephanie brings 25 years of results-driven leadership experience in building dynamic international, national and regional capital markets communities for private equity, venture capital and mergers and acquisitions professionals.

“Stephanie’s extensive business and association experience, combined with her deep industry knowledge, will be a huge asset to SBIA as we continually strive to better serve our private equity membership,” said Brett Palmer, President of the Small Business Investor Alliance. “The ongoing growth and success of SBIA is due in large part to our ability to offer our members unparalleled service, networking opportunities and advocacy. Stephanie’s background and expertise will help us amplify these efforts for our members.”

As Chief Membership Officer, Stephanie also will lead the expansion of the SBIA community to include new private equity accrual and fund of funds strategies announced in August by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The new accrual debenture structure will give SBICs more flexibility to make more equity investments in small businesses and startups. The fund of funds structure, or Reinvestor SBICs, aims to increase the geographic reach of the SBIC program as well as foster the next generation of fund managers. In addition, Stephanie will lead the launch of a new subsidiary of SBIA focused on facilitating new investment and deal opportunities for current and prospective members.

“With newly finalized reforms, the SBIC program is poised to expand and help more small business investors fill additional market gaps with much-needed long-term capital,” said Palmer. “The new SBIC program offers an exciting opportunity to help even more American small businesses thrive, and Stephanie’s strong track record of launching strategic initiatives that accelerate member growth uniquely positions SBIA to be a catalyst for the new program.”

Prior to joining SBIA, Stephanie served as Chief Customer Officer of ACG, driving growth, relevance and innovation in key customer segments. Previously, she founded and led her own association management company, driving strategic and top-line growth as Executive Director for the Wharton Private Equity & Venture Capital Alumni Association, the Kellogg Finance Network and ACG Philadelphia, to name a few. With deep roots in entrepreneurship, Stephanie is recognized across the industry as a problem-solving collaborator who builds customer-centered strategies that drive relevance, accelerate revenue growth, and drive durable customer engagement.

“I have a deep passion for the small business investor community, and this is a pivotal time in particular for SBIA,” said McAlaine. “There is huge potential for growth and I am excited for the opportunity to help our members and the private equity community launch new funds, raise capital, improve deal making, and ultimately expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs.”

# # #

About the Independent Sponsor Forum

Founded in 2023 in partnership with the Small Business Investor Alliance, the Independent Sponsor Forum is a new national platform designed to drive access to capital for lower middle market businesses across the country. By engaging the rapidly growing community of independent sponsors and cultivating connections with capital providers, the ISF will serve as an important connector for small businesses seeking capital for growth.

 

About the Small Business Investor Alliance

The Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA) is the premier organization of lower middle market private equity funds and investors. SBIA works on behalf of its members as a tireless advocate for policies that promote competitive markets and robust domestic investment for growing small businesses. SBIA has been playing a pivotal role in promoting the growth and vitality of the private equity industry for over 60 years. For more information, visit www.SBIA.org or call (202) 628-5055.