Record Searchlight

March 7, 2010  Dave Benda

 

We need access to capital

My story last week "Loan alternatives" on the climate of lending to small businesses noted that some mom-and-pop outfits are turning to friends for money rather than going through banks, which have tightened their underwriting.

Banks in the article said they continue to lend, but the economic uncertainty had made businesses gun-shy about taking out loans.

Well, a recent survey by Small Business California shows that nearly two-thirds of the firms contacted said dealing with access to capital should be a top or high priority of state lawmakers.

More than 2,700 small businesses were surveyed.

Health care costs also continue to give small businesses heartburn. Eight out of every 10 of the respondents believe dealing with the availability and high cost of healthcare should be a top priority.

Of those surveyed, 41 percent provide benefits to their employees