Become A Member

To learn more about the Small Business Investor Alliance, please email membership@sbia.org. To request an application, please complete this form and SBIA will send you the appropriate membership application for your firm.

The Small Business Investor Alliance is the only membership and advocacy organization focused exclusively on the lower middle market private equity universe. Our membership is comprised of U.S. private equity funds that make investments in small or lower middle market businesses, the investors that provide capital to those private equity funds, and a limited number of professional service providers. There are currently more than 300 geographically diverse and active member firms, fully 84% of which are funds or limited partners. Membership in SBIA is per firm and all staff members of a firm are able to take advantage of membership benefits, which include significant discounts on participation in SBIA events, real advocacy power in the policy corridors of Washington, DC, access to senior-level fundraising and deal sourcing opportunities across the country, and a range of educational opportunities and industry resources.

Member Benefits

FAQs

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Member Benefits

Real Advocacy Power in Washington

The SBIA Government Relations team actively monitors the legislative and regulatory initiatives put forward by Congress, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Small Business Administration and other agencies. With input from our members, SBIA acts to capitalize on opportunities and minimize threats to small business investment by closely evaluating and thoughtfully guiding policy-making. We also help SBIA members educate decision-makers about the positive impact of private equity on small businesses, jobs, and communities.

Senior-Level Fundraising and Deal Sourcing

SBIA facilitates interaction among key players in the lower middle market that no other organization can match. In addition to regional events and private equity conferences that offer a collegial networking environment for decision-makers and dealmakers to come together, SBIA offers to unique networking platforms for members. Twice a year, CapitaLinx provides LPs with a unique opportunity to meet high-quality, small fund managers across a range of strategies. Meanwhile, DeaLinx is SBIA’s unique deal sourcing opportunity that matches fund managers with investment bankers.

Educational Opportunities and Industry Resources

At regional events and conferences, through webinars and during industry-specific Council meetings, SBIA provides policy updates, industry data and other resources to help members stay abreast of private equity trends, best practices, and regulatory changes.

Independent Sponsor Forum, Powered by SBIA

The Independent Sponsor asset class is a growing and valued part of the lower middle market private equity ecosystem and SBIA is proud to be part of establishing the Independent Sponsor Forum (ISF), a new national platform designed to drive access to capital for lower middle market businesses. By linking this rapidly growing community with SBIA capital providers that have a dedicated strategy for independent sponsors, the ISF offers a curated and highly efficient opportunity for dealmakers with relevant, prior market experience to source deals and build valued capital relationships. SBIA members enjoy access to the ISF Deal Series, as well as the growing ISF database of emerging and established sponsors. Member benefits include significantly discounted admission and priority registration for ISF events, including at least three ISF Deal Series events each year. Learn more about the Independent Sponsor Forum >

FAQs

Who is eligible for SBIA membership?

Membership is eligible for Funds and Funds in Formation who have a primary purpose of investing in small or lower middle market businesses, Limited Partners who invest in those funds, Intermediaries such as investment bankers and placement agents, and a limited number of Service Providers who offer professional services, such as attorneys and accountants. All SBIA members have a specific focus on small business and lower middle market investing.

How does my firm become an SBIA member?

Does membership apply to a firm or an individual?

What is the difference between a Fund and Fund in Formation?

A Fund member is an entity organized under the laws of the U.S. as a private investment fund or BDC with the primary purpose of investing in small or lower middle market businesses, primarily in the U.S., with a minimum of $10M in commitments. A Fund in Formation member is an entity that meets the qualifications of a Fund, but is currently in formation or fundraising for an initial fund. Fund in Formation membership is restricted to two years. Once the fund in formation is closed, those members convert to Fund members. If after two years, a fund is not closed, membership in SBIA concludes.

What if my firm qualifies for more than one type of membership?

SBIA members and SBIA membership applicants that are eligible for more than one class of voting membership will be responsible for dues at the highest fund member level for which they are eligible. These members will register for SBIA events as Funds and be responsible for the registration fee as a Fund member. If such members desire to attend an event or otherwise be represented as a Limited Partner, the members are responsible for informing the SBIA staff of such interest.

Why does the application ask for both company and personal contact information?

Each SBIA member firm designates a primary contact person from the firm to establish the account. Whoever is designated to be the primary contact person should fill out the new member application and provide his/her contact information. From there, additional firm members can be added to the account by notifying SBIA. In addition, individuals’ personal contact information is used to match Congressional Districts with members. Contact information is never shared with outside parties.

How much are annual dues?

Are my dues tax deductible?

Under Federal law, that portion of dues used by an association for lobbying is not deductible by members as an ordinary and necessary business expense for Federal Income tax purposes. For 2023, 40% of your dues payment to the Small Business Investor Alliance is deductible, while 60% is non-deductible. (Dues cannot be deducted as charitable contributions.) Where applicable, BDC Council Membership dues are 100% non-deductible.

How are Assets Under Management and dues for Funds calculated?

Is membership based on a calendar year or from the date we joined?

When are renewal dues collected?

Dues for new members are collected upon joining the organization. For renewing members, dues are sent out in the 4th quarter of the preceding year, and due by January 1st of a given year (for example, a member organization renewing for 2021 would have an invoice sent out in the fall of 2020, due by January 1st, 2021). SBIA membership is valid for the calendar year. Membership renewals are due by December 31^stof the preceding year for good standing. Delinquent members will not be permitted to register for SBIA events as SBIA members until their annual dues have been received.

Does SBIA offer any discounts on events?

What else do I need to know about membership?

All SBIA members are subject to understanding and engaging in member activities in compliance with SBIA’s Antitrust Policy. If you do not have a copy of the policy, please reach out to an SBIA staff member. Each member will adhere to the highest level of legal and ethical behavior and fair dealing in the conduct of its business as a prerequisite for membership and as a condition of continued membership. Failure to adhere to the highest standards may result in revocation of membership status.

Apply

Each SBIA membership account has a primary contact person. This person should complete and submit the initial application. Once an application has been approved by SBIA's Membership Committee AND the firm's membership dues have been paid, any of the firm's staff will have the opportunity to be added under the organization’s membership.

Please complete this form and SBIA will send you the appropriate membership application for your firm.