The Albuquerque metro commercial real estate market showed some signs of life in the second quarter as small businesses chipped away at the nearly 2.5 million square feet of empty office space recorded early in the year. Read more >>
small businesses
Bernanke Implores Community Banks to Lend More
Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said banks across the country are systematically denying loan requests from financially credible small businesses. In a speech last week, he urged banks to lend to to small businesses, saying they are “crucial to America’s recovery.”
504 Loans – The Good, Bad and Ugly
With the weak economy deterring many small businesses from expanding, demand for SBA loans plummeted: Last year, the SBA approved $3.8 billion in 504 loans, down 28% from 2008 and 40% from 2007. Now, hoping to spur expansion among small companies, the SBA is offering inducements like lower rates and no-fee deals. Demand is picking up again for these 10%-down, fixed rate loans, but if you’re thinking of pursuing a 504 loan, though, there are some strategies and caveats to keep in mind. Read more…
Small Businesses Want Same Treatment as Large Corporations
Proposed legislation calls for the Small Business Administration to help business owners find willing lenders and, as a last resort, issue the loan directly. While this provision passed a House vote in October, the direct-lending provision has an uncertain future as it awaits consideration from the Senate. Read more…
