Lending

Those banks that have started easing their commercial lending standards have done so in response to increased competition from other banks and nonbank sources, according to a recent Federal Reserve Board survey.

A group of Ohio credit unions have announced an alliance to commit $150 million in assets to affordable student lending.

A recent survey of bank loan officers conducted by the Federal Reserve suggests that credit unions are still likely to find themselves the only lenders to even some of their most credit worthy members.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced today the agency is making low-interest loans available to Louisiana Gulf Coast small businesses suffering financial losses following the April 20 Deepwater BP oil spill.

Limited community development financial institutions are among those eligible to work with a new Citigroup $200 million fund to help small businesses in low and moderate income communities.

In yet another move to get capital flowing again, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has signed legislation creating the Save Our Small Business fund, which will provide loans up to $50,000.