SB Authority index points to slow economic improvements

4/28/2011

The Small Business Authority index, which is measured by Newtek Business Services, grew 0.6 percent in March over the previous month, the company announced Wednesday.

Of particular interest are retail sales and U.S. Small Business Administration commercial loans. Both categories are analyzed by Newtek, and were found to be leading factors in the improved index standing. This means that entrepreneurs are finding fewer obstacles in the way of small business lending and are also seeing sales return to pre-recession levels.

"The SB Authority index continues to climb off of a very low base and is still barely above the Small Business economies high point in the fourth quarter of 2007. When we look at what factors drive the small business economy, no single factor weighs more heavily on small business growth and stability as levels of rates of interest," explains Newtek CEO Barry Sloane.

Business Insider suggests that small business owners take advantage of looser lending practices and upgrade their equipment. This will enable them to be more productive and take on new jobs.