SBE Council Statement on DOL’s Proposal to Expand Investment Opportunities in 401(k) Plans

By SBE Council at 30 March, 2026, 1:07 pm

NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - The following statement on the release today of the U.S. Department of Labor's proposed ruleexpanding investment opportunities in 401(k) plans can be attributed to Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council):

"SBE Council applauds the U.S. Department of Labor's release of a proposed rule to expand investment options within 401(k) plans that aims to provide American workers, small business owners and their employees with access to the same diversified opportunities long available to large pension funds."

"Everyday investors, including millions of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and their employees, have been limited in their ability to participate in high-growth investment opportunities such as private equity and other alternative assets. This proposal represents an important step toward leveling the playing field and modernizing retirement investing."

"Expanding access to a broader range of asset classes will not only strengthen retirement security through improved diversification and long-term returns, but it will also deliver meaningful economic benefits. Increased participation in these markets will boost capital formation for startups and small businesses that rely on private investment to launch, scale, and innovate."

"SBE Council has long emphasized that democratizing access to capital is critical to fostering entrepreneurship and sustaining a dynamic, competitive economy. By responsibly opening new investment pathways within defined contribution plans, this proposed rule will help connect Main Street investors with Main Street growth opportunities."

"We applaud the Trump Administration and the Department of Labor for advancing a forward-looking policy that enhances opportunity, supports small business growth, and empowers American workers to build stronger financial futures."

RELATED CONTENT:

KERRIGAN IN REAL CLEAR MARKETS: Trump's Executive Order on 401(k)s Will Build Retirement Security and Boost Startup and Small Business Growth, August 2025

SBE Council Supports DOL's Step to Pursue a Rulemaking on Diversifying 401(k) Investment Options , September 2025.

KERRIGAN ON CAPITAL IDEAS Podcast : Trump's Executive Order on 401(k) Alternative Assets - A Game-Changer for Small Businesses and Innovation, September 2025.

SBE Council Statement: President Trump's Executive Order on 401(k)s Builds Retirement Wealth and Small Business Growth , August 2025

CONTACT: Karen Kerrigan, [email protected]

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

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