SBE Council Statement of Support for the “Small Entrepreneurs’ Empowerment and Development (SEED) Act (H.R. 4171)

By SBE Council at 3 March, 2026, 4:45 pm

The following statement of support for the "Small Entrepreneurs' Empowerment and Development (SEED) Act" (H.R. 4171) can be attributed to Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) President & CEO Karen Kerrigan:
"SBE Council strongly supports H.R. 4171, the Small Entrepreneurs' Empowerment and Development (SEED) Act. Access to capital remains a pain point for many startups and small businesses. According to SBE Council's latest Small Business Check Up Survey, 43% of small business owners report that limited access to capital is restricting their ability to invest, expand, compete effectively, or operate at full capacity. More capital availability would lead to higher small business growth, more investment and jobs, and healthier local economies."

"The SEED Act advances a proportionate and practical solution by creating a clearly defined micro-offering exemption for issuances up to $500,000, providing entrepreneurs with a simpler and more accessible pathway to secure early financing. By lowering barriers and reducing compliance costs that are often prohibitive relative to the modest capital sought, the legislation allows small businesses to focus on growth and innovation rather than navigating regulatory complexity. Importantly, the bill preserves investor protections through strong antifraud safeguards and appropriate disqualification standards. By balancing streamlined capital access with accountability, the SEED Act represents a thoughtful reform that will encourage a more vibrant and dynamic ecosystem for startups and small businesses. SBE Council appreciates Representative Garbarino's leadership and urges swift consideration and passage of this important legislation."

SBE Council is a nonpartisan advocacy, research and education organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For more than 30 years, SBE Council has advanced a range of private sector and public policy initiatives to strengthen the ecosystem for strong startup activity and small business growth.

Visit www.sbecouncil.org for additional information. X: @SBECouncil