Small business finance news is our specialty at Gaebler.com. We offer high-quality financial news for entrepreneurs that is updated daily with the latest finance news that is important for small business owners to know about.

• BLS: Efficiency soars as productivity increases, costs fall - 11/6/2009 - The BLS released new findings on increasing productivity and decreasing costs for the third quarter of 2009.

• American Small Business League: Obama 'short change' - 11/6/2009 - The American Small Business League has criticized President Obama for not fulfilling his promises to small businesses.
• 'Help Wanted' may become an obsolete term for small business owners - 11/5/2009 - SMB owners are reluctant to hire new employees in spite of rising application rates, a survey from George S. May International found.
• Iowa small business owner asks Senator for healthcare reform - 11/4/2009 - Democratic Senators Harkin and Landrieu talk up healthcare reform.
• Obama administration hopes to boost small business lending - 11/2/2009 - TARP funds may help smaller banks begin lending again.
• Small Business Lender CIT Group Files for Chapter 11 - 11/2/2009 - Bankruptcy means $2.3 billion in federal bailout money won't be paid back.
• Obama pitches healthcare reform to small business owners - 10/30/2009 - Obama says 90 percent of small businesses will be exempt from health insurance mandates.
• SBA report says small businesses benefit from healthcare reform - 10/26/2009 - A report from the Obama administration says millions of small businesses can't afford health insurance for their employees.
• Obama pledges increased limits on small business loans - 10/23/2009 - Small businesses can get loans up to $5 million.
• Warner says it's time for a small business bailout - 10/16/2009 - Warner said TARP helped Wall Street, not Main Street.
• Landrieu hosting small business outreach conference - 10/16/2009 - Landrieu offering advice on small business financing programs.
• Bankers association offers small business loan tips - 10/13/2009 - Small businesses should talk to bankers about loan repayment plans.
• Home based franchises are at cutting edge of business opportunities - 10/12/2009 - Small businesses thriving in the current marketplace include a growing number of opportunities for home-based franchises, according to the latest report from Franchise Direct.
• Franchising opportunities growing in home healthcare - 10/9/2009 - Home healthcare industry is fragmented and wide open for franchising.
• Trade agency seeks to boost small business exports - 10/6/2009 - U.S. plans to investigate ways to increase small business exports.
• Franchise convention provides leadership for business coaches - 10/5/2009 - A franchise consulting firm says franchise opportunities are a strong growth market for entrepreneurs.
• Obama says healthcare reform will aid small businesses - 10/5/2009 - The President says small business owners would benefit from his healthcare reform proposals.
• Unemployment rate rises to 9.8% despite spending, income gains - 10/2/2009 - Despite gains in personal spending and income, the unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent in September.
• Small business owners cautiously optimistic about their performance - 10/1/2009 - Small business owners reported higher optimism levels in terms of their own companies, and slightly improved outlooks for the economy as a whole.
• Interest rates to remain low despite economic improvements - 10/1/2009 - Despite signs of economic recovery - including slowed declines in GDP and unemployment - the Federal Reserve has decided to hold on to low interest rates.
• Entrepreneurs yet to see green shoots, survey finds - 9/24/2009 - Entrepreneurs are still wary of the much-hyped recovery, with more than two-thirds of survey respondents believing that the recession will last one to two more years.
• SBA to raise cap for goodwill financing guarantees - 9/22/2009 - The SBA plans to lessen its restrictions on goodwill financing starting October 1.
• Office Depot and Verizon to offer small business discounts - 9/21/2009 - In the latest example of SMB-focused promotions, Office Depot and Verizon have partnered to offer small businesses a discount on office supplies.
• Small businesses should not expect merry holiday retail season, Deloitte reports - 9/21/2009 - Retail sales for this year's holiday shopping season are expected to be flat compared to the previous year, Deloitte projected.
• Let's make a deal: businesses barter during slow economic times - 9/18/2009 - When sales slow down, there may still be good news for small businesses: They can barter directly with customers or other firms.
• Experts say rising unemployment trends may continue - 9/18/2009 - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced today that the national unemployment rate rose this August to 9.7 percent, up 3.5 percent from a year ago.
• Small business owners show highest optimism in two years, but some still struggling - 9/18/2009 - Small business owners are increasingly optimistic, though many are still struggling and the majority does not believe the worst is over.
• Global business owners becoming more optimistic, though still cautious - 9/17/2009 - Business owners across the world seem to be growing more optimistic about the economic recovery, according to a recent survey.
• Baucus health care plan a mixed blessing for small business - 9/16/2009 - The Senate Finance Committee unveiled its long-awaited health care proposal today, and the news for small business owners is both positive and negative.
• Small business owners see light at the end of the tunnel - 9/16/2009 - America's small business owners are cautiously optimistic about the current economic climate, according to a survey conducted by online small business community PartnerUp.
• Ecommerce sales slump, but future looks bright - 9/14/2009 - Online retail sales are down, but they'll be back.
• With employee recognition, make it personal - 9/14/2009 - More personal recognition programs can help boost morale, productivity, and employer-employee communication.
• Goods producing small businesses struggle to keep up with service sector - 9/11/2009 - Small businesses in the goods-producing sector have been hit particularly hard by the recession, a recent data analysis revealed.
• Consumer confidence drives growth in the Discover Spending Monitor - 9/11/2009 - Despite continued discretionary spending cuts, improved consumer optimism and confidence caused the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor to rebound in August.
• Small businesses optimistic, meeting performance goals - 9/11/2009 - Small business owners are optimistic about economic recovery and meeting - or exceeding - performance expectations for 2009, according to the Business Confidence Survey from Administaff.
• Credit card losses decline in July, reversing almost two years of increases - 9/9/2009 - Credit card losses decreased in July, following two years of almost continual increases, Standard & Poor's reported.
• Job losses continue at slower pace, unemployment rate increases to 9.7% - 9/5/2009 - Job losses rose in August - but at a slower pace than in recent months - although the unemployment rate increased by 0.3 points to 9.7 percent.
• Business productivity sees largest increase since 2003 - 9/4/2009 - The second quarter saw an increase of 6.6 percent in nonfarm business productivity, the largest increase since 2003.
• Small business confidence at highest level in 18 months, survey says - 8/31/2009 - The August Small Business Watch from Discover reported the highest small business confidence index level since February 2008.
• Consumers still cautious about economy, women more so than men - 8/27/2009 - Consumers continue to remain cautious about the economy and cut back on spending, a survey found.
• Real GDP declines in second quarter, but improves over first quarter - 8/27/2009 - The second quarter's real GDP results stayed consistent with original estimates of a 1 percent decrease, an improvement over last quarter's 6.4 percent decline.
• 2Q sees lower credit card delinquency rates, borrower debt - 8/27/2009 - The latest report from TransUnion found that credit card delinquency rates and borrower debt decreased in the second quarter compared to the first.
• SMB owners not confident about health care understanding, ability to pay - 8/27/2009 - Many small business owners are confused and concerned about employee health care and its implications, a recent survey found.
• Ten year budget deficit increases by $2 trillion, 2009 deficit decreases - 8/25/2009 - The government downwardly revised the 2009 budget deficit projections, but increased the 10-year deficit projection by $2 trillion, the OMB reported Tuesday.
• Consumer credit card debt decreases in July - 8/24/2009 - Credit card charge-off rates and delinquency rates fell in July, Moody's reported.
• Preparation, research can help speed up small business loan approval process - 8/24/2009 - To speed up the ARRA loan application process, small business owners are advised to have all their paperwork well-prepared, and to do their research about lenders.
• Leading economic index improves for fourth consecutive month - 8/21/2009 - The Conference Board leading economic index rose for the fourth consecutive month, indicating that the economy may be starting to recover.
• Small business bankruptcies up 81% from last year - 8/20/2009 - Small business bankruptcies rose 81 percent between June 2008 and June 2009, Equifax reported.
• Retailers report lower 2Q sales before back to school season - 8/19/2009 - Declining sales among major retailers suggests that consumer spending has continued to remain depressed.
• Credit lending standards start to ease, Federal Reserve reports - 8/18/2009 - Fewer banks are tightening lending standards, the Federal Reserve announced, suggesting a possible end to the credit crunch.
• More businesses reversing salary and benefit cuts, survey says - 8/14/2009 - Businesses are beginning to reverse their cost cutting measures such as salary freezes and reductions, a new survey found.
• Consumers spend more in July - 8/13/2009 - The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index rose in July, fueled by improved performance in initial unemployment claims, real wages and the tax burden.
• Jobless claims rise last week despite decreased layoff levels in June - 8/13/2009 - Although hiring rates are at a record low and jobless claims continue to increase, the weekly unemployment rate and monthly layoff levels provide glimmers of hope.
• Federal Reserve announces economy is 'leveling out' - 8/12/2009 - The Federal Reserve tentatively announced that the economy is starting to stabilize, indicating that recovery may be on the horizon.
• SMB optimism slips as owners look ahead to next six months - 8/12/2009 - Small business owners were slightly less optimistic in July, largely due to poor expectations for the nation's economic outlook in the next six months.
• Despite skepticism about stimulus, Americans growing more optimistic - 8/11/2009 - Though generally more optimistic about the economy, Americans are conflicted about the success of the government's stimulus plan.
• Government reports further job losses, slightly lower unemployment rate - 8/7/2009 - The economy shed 247,000 jobs in July while the unemployment rate decreased 0.1 points to 9.4 percent, the Bureau of Labor announced.
• SMBs make lemonade from lemons use recession to become more efficient - 8/7/2009 - Two-thirds of small businesses have used the economic downturn to focus on making their businesses more efficient than before, according to a recent Network Solutions survey.
• Job losses mount, but at slowest rate since October 2008 - 8/7/2009 - Job losses grew again between June and July, though at the slowest rate since October 2008, reported ADP.
• Global executives optimistic about battered but resilient economy - 8/7/2009 - Global executives are increasingly optimistic about their company's future profits, though still waiting patiently for the "battered but resilient" economy to rebound.
• Small businesses increasing or maintaining employment, compensation levels - 8/7/2009 - Small businesses are reporting plans to maintain or increase employment and compensation levels, hinting at the first signs of economic recovery.
• Discount is the name of the game this back to school shopping season - 8/3/2009 - Small businesses are advised to focus on discounts and promotions this back-to-school shopping season, as a recent survey found that consumers plan to spend significantly less this year.
• Real GDP sees substantial improvement in Q2 - 8/3/2009 - News of improvements in the nation's real GDP was tempered with disappointing readings for personal saving and spending behavior.
• House of Representatives increases payroll cutoff for proposed healthcare tax - 8/3/2009 - The House of Representatives just increased the payroll cutoff determining which small businesses are required to provide healthcare or pay a penalty tax.
• Well prepared applications ease SMB access to credit - 7/30/2009 - Small businesses should plan ahead when preparing to access credit, experts say.
• Recession may benefit, not inhibit, small business expansion plans - 7/29/2009 - Though it seems counterintuitive, a recession may be one of the best times for small businesses to expand.
• Small business confidence rises in July - 7/29/2009 - Small business confidence rose in July, as SMB owners reported more optimism about the economy and their budgets.
• Small businesses pay more for health insurance, report says - 7/28/2009 - A new government report found that small businesses pay up to 18 percent more for health insurance than big businesses, but many are not convinced that the proposed reform will help.
• Small businesses still in trouble as credit crunch continues - 7/22/2009 - Small businesses are having a harder time accessing credit, as SBA 7(a) loans are harder to come by.
• No right answer for small business owners - 7/22/2009 - A recent study suggests that making a decision between two unattractive options will likely cast the decision-maker in a negative light, no matter what they choose.
• The recession may be near an end or even past it - 7/20/2009 - The steadily improving performance of the Leading Economic Index and other Conference Board data suggests that an end to the recession is near, or may have already happened.
• Internet is a valuable tool for job searchers, SMB recruiters - 7/17/2009 - A recent survey found that job searching and related activities are among the top uses of the internet for the 69 percent of American adults who are considered online economic users.
• Economy shows signs of recovery as GDP, corporate profits, consumer spending improve - 7/16/2009 - Recently released data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis found improvement in the country's GDP, DPI, consumer spending and corporate profits - pointing toward the beginning of economic recovery.
• Small business owners cutting costs but thinking positively - 7/15/2009 - Despite having to resort to cost-cutting practices, many small businesses view their company's recent performance positively and are somewhat optimistic about economic recovery.
• GDP and consumer expenditure look promising, despite unemployment and savings rate - 7/15/2009 - Despite poor predictions for unemployment and savings rates, the nation's GDP and consumer expenditure are expected to rebound by 2010.
• Though not expecting recovery, Americans more confident in government, savings - 7/15/2009 - Though consumers do not expect the recession to end anytime soon, job loss concerns and the savings rate have held steady while government confidence improved.
• Small business lender collapse would likely exacerbate credit crisis, delay economic recovery - 7/14/2009 - The possible collapse of CIT Group, one of the nation's largest small business lenders, threatens the financial well-being of small businesses as well as the general economic recovery.
• Information Overload Awareness Day to draw attention to billion dollar problem - 7/13/2009 - Information Overload Awareness Day will attempt to draw attention to the problem that costs the U.S. economy $900 billion per year.
• Treasury officials discuss small business bailout, sources say - 7/13/2009 - A new bailout program focused on small businesses is being discussed by treasury officials, one which will be financed by TARP funds.
• Investors and shareholders selling illiquid assets, private company securities in new marketplaces - 7/9/2009 - A new trend of illiquid asset marketplaces has emerged to address the venture capital liquidity crisis.
• The consumer trend worth $42.6 billion - 7/9/2009 - Consumers who spend $50 per month at local, independently owned businesses can generate $42.6 billion in revenue, making a huge difference to small businesses struggling through the recession.
• Small businesses in entertainment, tourism likely to see slower business this month - 7/8/2009 - The latest Discover U.S. Spending Monitor revealed that 51 percent of consumers plan to scale back their discretionary spending, a 2 percent increase from the previous month.
• Access to short term credit not affected by credit crunch or stimulus, businesses report - 7/2/2009 - Despite the largest federal stimulus to date and a widespread credit crunch, a majority of businesses report no change in their ability to access short-term credit.
• Small business salaries decrease in June, hiring and optimism increase - 7/2/2009 - The SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard indicated that small business salaries decreased in June, but hiring and optimism increased.
• Number of independent contractors, small business dependence, on the rise - 7/1/2009 - Small businesses are becoming more dependent on the freelance work of independent contractors, as the recession pushes more laid off workers into self-employment.
• Small businesses holding on to high cash balances, using conservative investment strategies - 7/1/2009 - Many small businesses are reacting to the credit crunch and volatile market by stockpiling cash and using more conservative investment strategies, a trend which may delay the nation's economic recovery.
• Job losses inch downward, but less than expected - 7/1/2009 - ADP reported fewer job losses in June than in recent months, but more than expected.
• SMBs can cut costs effectively during recession - 7/1/2009 - By making smart decisions, small businesses can make it through the tough times.
• Investors are more confident in economy, consumers less - 6/30/2009 - The CBOE Volatility Index and the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey released conflicting results Tuesday, indicating increased investor confidence but decreased consumer confidence.
• Advice for SMBs on cutting costs to stay afloat - 6/30/2009 - Navigation Financial Group advises small business owners to cut costs in three simple steps.
• SBA launches loan initiative for military small business owners - 6/30/2009 - The SBA launched the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative, offering loans of up to $500,000 to service members, veterans and military spouses looking to expand or establish their small businesses.
• Intuit holds Twitter town hall featuring tips, discussions on SMB access to capital - 6/30/2009 - Intuit held a Twitter town hall on Tuesday to address small business owners' increasing concerns about access to capital and loans.
• Survey: Small business optimism up, cash flow concerns decrease - 6/29/2009 - Small business confidence has increased this month while cash flow concerns have decreased, according to the most recent Discover Small Business Watch.
• Study: SMBs could lose $2.4 trillion in healthcare costs if system is not changed - 6/26/2009 - A recent analysis from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology projects that healthcare will cost SMBs $2.4 trillion in healthcare costs - plus thousands of jobs - if the system is left unreformed.
• Cautious consumers still cutting back despite increased confidence - 6/25/2009 - Consumers are continuing to cut back on spending, despite slightly increased confidence levels.
• SBA unveils changes to 504 loan program, allowing many SMBs to expand - 6/25/2009 - The SBA unveiled new changes to the 504 loan program, allowing expanding SMBs to refinance.
• Small businesses in Alabama qualify for SBA disaster loans - 6/23/2009 - Following President Obama's recent declaration of a federal disaster in Alabama, many small businesses qualify for disaster loans from the Small Business Association.
• Job seekers feel employment market is improving - 6/23/2009 - New report may be a good sign for SMBs as more workers feel confident they can find a job.
• SMBs feel businesses will grow in 2009 - 6/19/2009 - Seven out of 10 entrepreneurs feel their businesses will increase by the end of the year.
• Michigan SMBs feel economy is ready to turn around - 6/15/2009 - The percentage of companies that expect to see improvements by the end of the year jumped from 11 percent to 21 percent.
• Site sets up microloan pilot program in U.S. - 6/11/2009 - Kiva.org has traditionally helped SMBs in developing countries but says the program can help U.S. business owners as well.
• Workers looking for more flexible schedules during the summer - 6/11/2009 - Employees are looking to work their schedule around good weather and cut out early on Fridays
• NFIB survey finds business optimism is up - 6/9/2009 - It is the second month in a row that the index has risen, giving hope that the economy is turning around.
• Consumers plan to increase spending, carefully - 6/9/2009 - Report finds that almost half say they will increase spending on travel.
• Many SMBs fear cutting back on 401(k) matching - 6/8/2009 - Most small businesses reported that they offer the retirement plan as a benefit for employees, not a way to attract talent.
• Small business bankruptcy on the rise - 6/8/2009 - Areas hardest hit by economy are also seeing small businesses shutter
• Kentucky SMBs still eligible for disaster loans - 6/4/2009 - Small businesses affected by drought and high winds last year may still be able to get loans of up to $2 million.
• SMBs can see healthcare benefits from wellness programs - 6/3/2009 - One company says its wellness program incorporates many online-based tools to help employees stay healthy.
• Small business loan delinquency drops in April - 6/2/2009 - While delinquencies fell last month they are still higher than a year ago.
• Easing the heath care stress - 6/2/2009 - A Massachusetts legislation aims to help small business owners pay for health insurance.
• SMBs not covered under credit card bill - 5/29/2009 - Small businesses using company cards will not get the advantages placed in recently signed credit card legislation.
• Congressman proposes tax deferment for small businesses - 5/29/2009 - If passed, the legislation would allow SMBs to defer payment for one year to invest in their business.
• SBA to help the auto industry - 5/29/2009 - New financing program should also boost the economy
• GM bankruptcy could hurt small businesses - 5/28/2009 - Dozens of small businesses that supply the automaker could face bankruptcy themselves.
• Report finds SMB loans rose in 2008 - 5/28/2009 - Although the value of loans grew, it was at a slower pace than previous year.
• New bill would give more federal contracts to SMBs - 5/28/2009 - Subsidiaries of large corporations would no longer be considered small businesses.
• Some small businesses see benefits in the recession - 5/27/2009 - In helping large corporations cut costs, some SMBs are seeing business growth.
• Consumer Confidence rises for second straight month - 5/26/2009 - Index could be a good sign for small businesses and the overall economy.
• SMBs facing tough health care decisions - 5/26/2009 - With revenues falling and costs rising many small businesses are forced to drop health insurance for employees.
• Survey finds SMB optimism drops 10 points - 5/26/2009 - After three months of gains, small business optimism falls.
• SMBs need credit card protection - 5/22/2009 - Senators advocate for small businesses to benefit from the Credit Card Act
• Disaster loans awarded - 5/22/2009 - Over $1 million in SBA funds are awarded to those in need
• Latest loan to boost economy - 5/20/2009 - Small businesses will further benefit from Recovery Act assistance
• Chamber of Commerce, Sam's Club join forces - 5/13/2009 - The two organizations say the venture will help reduce costs for SMBs.
• NFIB reports renewed small business optimism - 5/12/2009 - The National Federation of Independent Business index provides good news for small businesses.
• More SMBs using credit cards but cite worsening terms - 5/11/2009 - A new report finds 59 percent of entrepreneurs use credit cards for business.
• SMBs losing lines of credit - 5/11/2009 - Changes in credit scores are affecting some small business clients of JPMorgan Chase.
• Small business hiring increases, salaries drop - 5/5/2009 - Although small businesses are increasing their hiring, salaries are going in the opposite direction.
• How small businesses navigate the economy - 5/5/2009 - A new survey provides insight into how small businesses are continuing operations while making cutbacks.
• SMBs may benefit from recession - 5/4/2009 - The businesses that can survive the current economic state may see increased sales because of a lack of competition.
• Sam's Club tries to lure in SMBs with cost comparisons - 4/30/2009 - Sam's Club, the second-largest US membership warehouse club, is working closely with small business owners to help them identify ways to lower costs.
• Microloan program lacks applicants - 4/30/2009 - Everybody's talking about the small business credit crunch. However, D.C. officials have been surprised to see few applicants apply for business loans available via a new small business microloan program.
• Entrepreneurs may still see funding from private investors - 4/29/2009 - In this tough economy, entrepreneurs are struggling to raise money. Capital for early-stage companies, however, is starting to flow again.
• Small business groups criticize Obama's first 100 days - 4/29/2009 - As he completes his first 100 days in office, President Barack Obama remains popular with American citizens, but one watchdog organization thinks Obama isn't doing right by small business owners.
• Microloans are an option for SMBs - 4/27/2009 - Startup businesses that need to raise money are finding that applying for microloans can be a great way to access business capital.
• SMBs find it hard to sell their businesses - 4/27/2009 - It's a difficult time to own a business, but selling a business is proving to be even more difficult.
• Small business owners cutting their own pay to make ends meet - 4/24/2009 - Small business owners taking pay cuts? In this down economy, many entrepreneurs are opting to give themselves pay cuts, rather than layoff employees.
• SMBs say recession makes them better business owners - 4/23/2009 - A report from American Express OPEN finds that small business owners have a never-say-die spirit.