Business Lending & Financing Slammed in 2011

January 21st, 2012
Business Lending & Financing Slammed in 2011
© Northern Ireland Executive

According to research studies, it was found that many companies who often lend funds for instance a bank or a private lender have been turning away from this in the fear that in 2012, there will be unsuccessful businesses. Business lending can be difficult to come back and it is suspected that many lenders have stopped in order to ensure they do not make a loss.

Business financing in the US got slammed in 2011 although it is still up slightly year on year. Many corporations reported a nervousness to increase borrowing and engage in new spending given increased economic and regulatory uncertainty. The number of new business loans, lines of credit and leases in the US was up 2% year on year, but down 22% from June.

Of these new loans, the majority were dedicated towards replacement costs rather than expansion. Many businesses reported that they were discouraged from investing by the congressional deficit debate chaos and the the evolving government conversation on tax reform.

Added to this, there is the uncertainty coming from global economic turmoil and unstable financial markets. The recovery remains slow and plodding, and 36% of companies surveyed actually reported a decrease in their loan activity year on year.

A Loan to Green Up Your Business Can Pay Off

January 19th, 2012
A Loan to Green Up Your Business Can Pay Off
© dreamymo

If improving the environmental aspects of your business presents a financial struggle for your current capital, or perhaps even seems too risky, then it's worth looking at companies that are going strong who have in fact invested in eco-friendly practices. Empire Carpet, for example, has a carpet recycling program and has included in their product lines flooring products made from sustainable materials. Empire Today is just one example of viable businesses that have invested in practices that address environmental concerns. Looking to such companies as examples may give a better perspective on greening your company. Eco-friendliness can in fact give your business an edge over your competitors as well as give it longevity and greater cost effectiveness in the long run. Duly assessing the environmental practices that your business could implement is definitely worth the effort. Close consideration of the edge you could gain over your competition can be an eye-opener. Besides long-term advantages in operations and sourcing, green practices can be turned into a strong advertising appeal. Developing a green profile can distinguish your business over others, and draw in a wider range of customers. These are just some of the considerations for which, ultimately, a loan to green up your business can lead to pays offs.

Federal Government Writes Off SBA Loans

December 13th, 2011
Federal Government Writes Off SBA Loans
© Images_of_Money

Many Houston businesses were relieved by the federal government move to write off the SBA loans given to them during the 9/11 tragedy. Almost $7.2 million was given out in SBA loans in the form of disaster loans to businesses affected by the tragedy.
According to the data from the Small Business Administration, 45 small businesses from the area took the low interest SBA loans from the federally declared disaster. The total amount of these SBA loans came to $35.3 million and now the government has written off 39% of the amount. The rules of the SBA prevent it from declaring the defaulters names but the businesses have paid off almost $1.5 million of the SBA loans while the rest is still left.
The SBA made these loans at a 4% interest rate immediately after the attacks to the businesses which were affected. They look for assurance that the loans can be paid off but they write off loans if the amount is deemed uncollectible.