INVESTING IN Small Business

The number of U.S. publicly traded companies has fallen by more than half, from 8,800 in 1997 to 3,952 in 2024. Companies are staying private longer, often during their fastest growth years. And 87% of companies with more than $100 million in annual revenue remain private. Much of today’s growth sits outside public markets, where 401(k) savers have been unable to benefit from it. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mtFR3D

Everyday savers may soon have access to the same investment options that have helped secure retirements for 34 million teachers, firefighters, and other public servants. For decades, public pension funds have relied on private investments to deliver strong, stable returns. All American workers should be able to enjoy those same options. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mtFR3D

Today's public markets are increasingly concentrated, and much of today's business growth occurs outside the public markets, leaving retirement savers with fewer options to benefit. Allowing 401(k) savers to access private markets will ensure better diversification and the opportunity to invest in high-growth private companies. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mtFR3D

A recent Department of Labor proposal provides strong protections for savers who want to include private assets as part of their 401(k)s. Under the proposal, plan managers could include private equity and private credit alongside stocks and bonds in balanced, professionally managed plans, like target-date funds. The move would give savers more options to achieve diversification and long-term returns. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mtFR3D

What could expanded access to private markets mean for American workers? Georgetown research found that allocations to alternative assets would significantly increase retirement savings outcomes. That’s a real difference for millions of everyday savers. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mtFR3D

More than 30 U.S. senators urged the U.S. Department of Labor to finalize the proposed rule expanding 401(k) access to private equity and private credit. Nearly 90 million Americans saving for retirement through 401(k)s have been unable to access the same investment options that have strengthened public pensions for decades. This rule would change that.Read the full letter: https://bit.ly/3RE1hjZ

When planning for retirement, everyday savers want to know what will perform best for their individual needs. Private equity and private credit have a proven track record of delivering strong, stable returns. For decades, public pension funds have relied on these investments because they work over the long term and are a smart way to diversify. The Department of Labor’s proposed rule would expand access to these same options in 401(k)s, with strong fiduciary standards in place. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mtFR3D

AIC has expressed its strong support for the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed rule expanding 401(k) access to private equity and private credit. In a new comment letter submitted to the agency this week, AIC made the case that everyday savers deserve access to the same investments that have strengthened public pensions for decades, with strong consumer protections in place."With this rule, more Americans will have the option of including private investment in their retirement savings strategy for increased diversification and higher returns." — AIC CEO Will DunhamRead AIC's full statement: https://bit.ly/4dLAV88

As #SmallBusinessMonth wraps, we're reminded that for private equity, every week is Small Business Week. 85% of PE investment supports small businesses, touching every state and every district. Thanks to the entrepreneurs powering Main Street year-round. See how private equity powers small businesses: https://bit.ly/4cIE0p8

"Private equity provides entrepreneurs the capital that's not available to them in other places." Martin D. of Beliade Consumer Partners on how partnering with founders builds value for shareholders, workers, and communities. #SmallBusinessMonthSee private equity's impact on small businesses: bit.ly/4cIE0p8

This #SmallBusinessMonth, see how AIC member KKR partnered with Environmental Dynamics International, a manufacturing small business in Columbia, Missouri, to expand operations, hire workers, and enter new markets.Watch EDI's growth story: bit.ly/4cIE0p8

🍋🟩 "Private equity has been the engine of our growth." — Nick Wiseman, Little Sesame. Watch how Little Sesame scaled from one D.C. kitchen to thousands of grocery stores by partnering with AIC member Beliade Consumer Partners.Watch Little Sesame's story: bit.ly/4cIE0p8

Private equity is driving real impact on Main Street. AIC President & CEO Will Dunham highlights how investment helps founders scale from local favorites to national brands, creating jobs in all 435 districts across 50 states.See private equity's impact on small businesses: bit.ly/4cIE0p8#SmallBusinessMonth 

US Private equity has invested in the long-term growth of more than 21,000 businesses across America, and 85% of them are small businesses. From neighborhood shops to regional manufacturers, we're powering Main Street.See how private equity powers small businesses: bit.ly/4cIE0p8#SmallBusinessMonth

"The only difference between a great 2 AM idea and a real company is capital." This #SmallBusinessWeek, American Investment Council (AIC) Board Chair Pamela Hendrickson Hendrickson shares how private equity helps entrepreneurs grow, hire, and invest in communities in every state.See how private equity powers small businesses: bit.ly/4cIE0p8

It's National #SmallBusinessWeek! Every entrepreneur starts with an idea and does the hardest part: going from zero to one. Private equity provides the capital and support they need to reach new customers and create jobs in communities across America.See how private equity powers small businesses: bit.ly/4cIE0p8

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed private credit directly this morning at CNBC's Invest in America summit.His bottom line: "None of our work has shown that there would be a systemic problem."Watch the full exchange.

Private market investments provide a valuable source of diversification, since they behave differently than public markets do. For decades, pension funds have relied on private investment to build more balanced, resilient portfolios. Soon, 401(k) savers will have access to the same options thanks to U.S. Department of Labor helping American workers build more secure retirements. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeSAt5CW

Private markets have consistently outperformed public markets over the long term, even after fees. That's why pension funds have relied on them to secure retirements for decades. Soon, 401(k) savers will be able to benefit as well, thanks to U.S. Department of Labor. Learn more about how private investment helps American workers build stronger retirements. https://lnkd.in/eeSAt5CW

Today, there are half as many publicly traded companies in the US as there were in the 1990s. More companies are going public later, choosing to stay private during their highest growth phase. Private markets have delivered strong returns for pension funds and institutional investors for decades, but those options haven't been available to everyday investors. The good news? Your 401(k) will soon be able to access the same investment options as public pension funds thanks to the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts to expand choices for American workers. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeSAt5CW

The Department of Labor is taking steps to expand access to retirement options for millions of American workers. For decades, private investment has provided security and delivered strong, stable returns for public pension funds. Soon, everyday savers will be able to access and benefit from private markets thanks to U.S. Department of Labor leading the way. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeSAt5CW

The Department of Labor has taken an important step toward expanding investment options for millions of American workers with 401(k)s.Private market investments have delivered strong, stable returns for public pension funds for decades. In fact, more than 89 percent of public pension funds invest in private equity, benefiting nearly 35 million public servants. This proposed rule would give everyday savers access to those same proven tools.We applaud President Trump and U.S. Department of Labor for working to strengthen and secure American retirements. More choices. More control. More secure retirements.Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eetyYuHqhttps://www.investmentcouncil.org/aic-applauds-dol-for-expanding-americans-options-to-strengthen-their-retirements/

In a letter to the Financial Times, American Investment Council (AIC) President & CEO Will Dunham makes the case for expanding 401(k) access to private markets as a way to give everyday savers more choice and more opportunity. As public markets continue to shrink and companies stay private longer, everyday investors are increasingly missing out on early growth. Research from Georgetown University shows that including private investments in a diversified 401(k) could increase the average retiree’s annual income by $2,400.  Read the full letter: https://bit.ly/4bJPXsY