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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.

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 >

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.