William Blair Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Class N Fonds

The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in stocks of small capitalized ("small cap") and medium capitalized ("mid cap") companies. It invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities, including common stocks and other forms of equity investments (e.g., securities convertible into common stocks), of small cap and mid cap domestic growth companies that are expected to exhibit quality growth characteristics.