A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland finds multiple issues contributing to challenging circumstances for small business borrowing, The Plain Dealer reports. Small businesses seeking to borrow face a combination of tighter lending standards, the shrinking number of banks that can lend money as a result of the recession, and the fact that small business loans generally "aren't as profitable as other types of loans." In addition, retail sales are soft, and "declining real estate prices have limited the values available as collateral," the article said. As a result, the report concludes, small businesses are struggling to serve as “catalyst[s] for job growth and the broader economy.” For more, read the full story and report summary.
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland report paints bleak outlook for small business lending
