Allen has been involved in influencing public policy issues affecting small and emerging businesses and venture capital for over 35 years. He authored legislation leading to the enactment of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, was engaged in the passage of the Bayh-Dole patent legislation, wrote the bill enabling the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program and drafted legislation creating the secondary market for SBA’s guaranteed loan programs. He was instrumental in securing tax and securities regulatory relief and legislative changes designed to increase capital flow into venture capital firms and Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs). Allen also crafted legislation designed to make investments in emerging, high technology firms more attractive to angel investors. In addition, he played a leading role in obtaining passage of legislation improving the operation of SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs.

After serving as Legislative Counsel to the Senate Small Business Committee, Allen founded Neece, Cator and Associates, Inc., a lobbying firm specializing in representing generic and industry specific small business associations and other organizations providing either capital or services to small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. Clients included the National Venture Capital Association, National Association of Small Business Investment Companies, Small Business Technology Coalition, National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, National Association of Management and Technical Assistance Centers, National Association of Development Companies and National Small Business United.

Allen currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), an association of 80 plus national small business associations, and Vice Chair of the Research Institute for Small and Emerging Business (RISEBusiness), a foundation engaged in cutting edge research on issues affecting the entrepreneurial sector.