Stacey Bowers: A New Vanguard for Small Business Capital Formation at the SEC

Dedicated to Small Business

In a significant move poised to bolster the landscape of small business capital formation, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the appointment of Stacey Bowers as the new director of its Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation (OASB). Bowers, a corporate and securities law luminary, steps into a role where her vast experience and deep commitment to advancing small businesses will be pivotal.

Her journey, which began in the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance trenches, has come full circle, bringing her back to the agency that marked the start of her illustrious legal career. Bowers’s trajectory from a staff attorney to a trusted advisor for public companies and entrepreneurs alike underscores a career dedicated to demystifying the capital formation process for the backbone of the American economy—its small businesses.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s endorsement of Bowers highlights her profound expertise and the anticipated impact of her leadership in driving forward the SEC’s mission to support small businesses and their investors. This transition acknowledges Amy Reischauer’s contributions as Acting Deputy Director, ensuring the Office’s vital work continuity.

Bowers’s reflection on her new role captures the essence of her dedication: making the capital formation journey less daunting for entrepreneurs. Her prior involvement with the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee has enriched her understanding and resolve to champion small businesses’ needs within the capital markets.

Since its inception in January 2019, the OASB has stood as a beacon for small businesses navigating the complexities of raising capital. Its mandate—to address the unique challenges faced by small, minority-owned, women-owned businesses and those in rural or disaster-affected areas—resonates with Bowers’s professional ethos. Her return to the SEC, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for equitable capital formation, heralds a new chapter for the Office and its small business community.

Bowers’s academic and professional credentials are nothing short of impressive. Her leadership at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law and her practical experience in guiding businesses through the intricacies of capital raising positions her as an ideal advocate for small businesses at the SEC. Her comprehensive educational background, including a bachelor’s degree in business/accounting from the University of Pittsburgh, a law degree, a master’s in library and information science, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction studies from the University of Denver, underscores a multidisciplinary approach to legal education and practice.

As Stacey Bowers embarks on this new role, her vision for a more accessible and equitable capital formation process for small businesses is a beacon of hope. It’s a testament to the SEC’s commitment to ensuring that the American dream is within reach for entrepreneurs nationwide, regardless of their size, location, or background. The small business community stands on the cusp of a new era, with Bowers leading the charge to navigate capital formation challenges with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support.

Ava Wolf

Born and raised in the bustling city of New York, Ava developed a keen interest in finance and economics from a young age. Her passion for uncovering the truth and shedding light on complex financial matters led her to pursue a career in journalism. Outside of her career, Ava is an avid runner and fitness enthusiast. She believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and finds solace in the rhythm of her daily runs through Central Park. When she's not chasing down leads or pounding the pavement, Ava enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, Luna, and exploring the vibrant cultural scene of New York City.