SBA Speeds Up Funds for Tech and Minerals: Old Rules Get the Boot
Published Date: 7/7/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The SBA is cleaning up old rules that slow down small business investment companies (SBICs) from getting licensed. They’re removing outdated regulations and making it easier for new funds to apply, especially those investing in important minerals and tech. These changes will speed things up and help SBICs invest smarter, with no big cost surprises.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clean up rules that slow SBIC licensing
The SBA is proposing to remove obsolete and inefficient regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations that currently slow or impede licensing of small business investment companies (SBICs). This change is intended to simplify SBA rules and speed up the licensing process for new SBIC applicants.
Streamline rules for subsequent fund applicants
SBA proposes amendments specifically aimed at subsequent fund applicants to streamline the licensing process for follow-on SBIC funds. If you are applying to form a subsequent SBIC fund, the rule change is meant to make that licensing process faster and simpler.
Remove barriers to critical minerals and tech investing
The SBA seeks to remove certain barriers that have limited SBIC investments in critical mineral extraction and processing and in designated critical technologies. This is intended to allow SBICs to invest more easily in those sectors.
Remove rules tied to repealed Section 301(d)
SBA proposes removing regulations that apply to the repealed Section 301(d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 and to SBIC types the Agency no longer licenses, including Participating Securities SBICs and Early Stage SBICs. The change is intended to simplify the CFR by eliminating outdated provisions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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