Index Shows Slight Growth In Small Business Lending

A new survey shows that small business lending increased slightly in December.

The SB Authority Index, produced by Newtek Business Services, the Russell Microcap Index, Newtek Merchant Processing and approved SBA lending, resulted in a December index score of 124.46 points. This is an increase of 0.80 percent from November 2013.  On a year-over-year comparison, the SB Authority Index is up 7.35 percent.

Barry Sloane, Chairman, President and CEO of The Small Business Authority commented, “With the overall stock market up 30 percent in 2013, it is hard to imagine the small business economy not performing better considering the current low interest-rate environment. Our index is telling us there is more capital available for small business, business owners feel wealthier and the consumer continues to spend albeit modestly.”