[The Well] Closing the Capital Gap in Rural America Is Possible
The Well News
Op-Ed: Closing the Capital Gap in Rural America Is Possible
July 1, 2025
By Brett Palmer, President of the Small Business Investor Alliance
Below is an excerpt from an opinion piece by SBIA President Brett Palmer published in The Well News:
One of the biggest barriers to economic growth across our country is that parts of America are overlooked economically — simply out of sight and out of mind.
Coastal hubs attract billions of dollars in investment, while rural communities are often flown over or driven past, despite their competitive advantages, like lower operating costs, ample space, a dedicated workforce and a great quality of life...
...We can and should do better in expanding opportunity to all of America.
That is where the Investing in All of America Act comes in. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., and Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., in the House, and Sens. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., in the Senate, doubles down on one of the most successful, effective tools the federal government has available to drive more capital to areas that need it most: the Small Business Investment Company program.
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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 65 years. For more information, visit www.SBIA.org or call (202) 628-5055.
About Small Business Investment Companies
Small Business Investment Companies are highly regulated, venture capital and private equity funds that invest exclusively in domestic small businesses to help them grow and create American jobs. SBICs pursue investments in a broad range of industries, geographic areas, and stages of investment. Since its inception, the Small Business Investment Company program has facilitated access to patient capital for tens of thousands of small businesses and has created millions of American jobs. The SBIC program is one of the best examples of a public-private partnership, matching federal funding with experienced private investors to support domestic small business growth at zero risk to the American taxpayer.
