Economic Uncertainty, Spending Decline Top Owner Concerns.

Lending Improves

The Wall Street Journal reports that Small Business Lending Has Improved. A Braun Research survey performed for Capital One Bank found 85% of owners polled in March said they’re able to access the financing they need, up seven percentage points from the fourth quarter of 2010 and 15 percentage points from a year ago.

. . . but Owners Fear Economic Uncertainty

Economic Uncertainty, Spending Decline Top Owner Concerns. Respondents say the dearth of credit isn’t their most pressing concern. Sixty-eight percent cited economic uncertainty as the No. 1 challenge facing their business, followed by a decline in consumer spending (42%), cost of health insurance benefits (37%), regulatory burdens (30%) and federal taxes (27%).

Steer Markets or Free Them?  Check out Keynes and Hayek’s Epic Rap Throwdown on Interest Rates vs. Animal Spirits

Independent Banks, Credit Unions Favor Small Business

Over at Forbes, Jim Blasingame of The Small Business Advocate queried radio, Internet and Newsletter audiences with the following question: “In terms of using a loan to capitalize business growth, which of these four options are you more likely to choose?”  Those who said they would use a national or large regional bank represented 13% of our respondents. Independent community banks came in at 31%, followed by credit unions, at 22%.

He concludes:  “Write this on a rock… A small business should have at least one banking relationships with an independent bank or credit union.”

Top Retirement Plans for Small Business

Stuart Robertson, also at Forbes, opines that The Top Three Retirement Plans for Small Business owners are 401(k) plans, SEP IRAs, and Simple IRAs.  He explains the pros and cons of each.

Answers to Questions No One is Asking

Osama Bin Laden: What if He Has a Life Insurance Policy? —National Underwriter, May 4