Some legislative ideologues and conservative groups would rather abolish the SBA than spend taxpayers' money to boost its small business loan-guarantee programs.

Rental apartments are back in demand, financing for hotels and motels is loosening up a bit and investors are stepping off the sidelines with wads of cash to do deals.

Passion and a great idea are not enough to start a business. In my last two columns, I wrote that you must demonstrate enough predictable cash flow an...

Both SBA and conventional lenders want to lien your home. In addition to securing your equity, lenders believe that you will work harder to make the business successful when your home is at risk.

Community express loans have been widely used by small-business owners in need of small amounts of working capital ― currently up to $25,000 in most areas.

Pundits say that $350 billion of commercial mortgage loans are coming due for payoff. The balances still owed are so high that many borrowers will be unable to refinance conventionally.

Self-employment is an alternative to unemployment. Yet, determining what kind of business to start, knowing how much money you will need, and what steps to take can be daunting

Big banks prefer making multimillion-dollar loans to large corporations instead of small-businesses because the fee income is greater and it allows them to hire experts in industries that they want to target.

Now is the time to think about dusting off your old business plan as the economy improves. A business plan is required to obtain a loan or venture capital. It is uniquely designed as a sales tool to get financing.

A new secondary market for the U.S. Small Business Administration's 504 loan program is up and running.