NADCO Releases July Small Business Lending Report (SBLR)

Loan Volume Increases As Small Businesses Adapt To Rising Rate Environment

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) monthly Small Business Lending Report (SBLR) showed a rise in commercial real estate and equipment finance loans to small businesses in the month of July in the midst of increasing rates, reflecting increased strength among small businesses and positive news for job creation. The SBLR, released the second Thursday of every month, offers nationwide monthly metrics and insight on availability and access to capital for small businesses, job creation, interest rates and small business loan volume through the SBA 504 real estate and asset finance program.

There were 590 loans in July (as compared to 539 in June) and the 20-year monthly loan pool size was $398,994,000 vs. $385,598,000 a year ago. This month's debenture rate is 3.15% compared to 2.38% a year ago. Additionally, there were 53 ten-year loans totaling $34,982,000. The debenture rate for these ten-year loans that are funded bi-monthly and represent equipment purchases is 1.89%, compared to 1.19% in July 2012.

"We see more small business loans delivered compared to last month and year-over-year, which is putting oxygen into the economy for job creation. Borrowers should lock in these historically low interest rates given the sharp, recent increases we've seen," said Beth Solomon, President and CEO of NADCO. "Small businesses can lock in a very low rate for 20 years with the SBA 504 loan – which is very unusual in small business finance. They should run, not walk, to their nearest Certified Development Company or bank to ask about it."

"As we continue to climb out of the recession, small business lending volume remains historically high and even at current, higher funding levels borrowers are accessing long term fixed rate funds at historically low rates," Solomon continued.  

Solomon concluded: "If we want to strengthen and sustain the economic progress we've seen recently, we need to ensure small businesses get the capital they need. Our members will continue to work closely with the Small Business Administration and local business leaders and lenders to equip and empower small businesses to grow and create jobs."

Over the past 12 months there have been 7,711 loans totaling $5.2 billion at an average debenture rate of 2.26%.

Each month, NADCO provides its debenture rate (plus the twelve month average debenture rate), monthly pool size (loan volume in dollars) and other relevant and insightful data. Combining historic data and assessed monthly, the SBLR serves as a measurement of the health of small business lending -- a core contributor to the health of the U.S. economy. The SBA 504 loan requires every $65,000 of finance to create or maintain one job. Businesses securing 504 loans create 25% more jobs than non-504 businesses, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

ABOUT THE NADCO SMALL BUSINESS LENDING REPORT (SBLR)
This is a measure that tracks, on a monthly basis, the loan volume for owner-occupied real estate and asset financing administered through the Small Business Administration's Certified Development Company (CDC) lending initiative (also known as the 504).

ABOUT THE SBA's 504 LOAN INITIATIVE
The 504 loan initiative is a self-funded long-term financing tool at no cost to taxpayers providing small businesses with long-term, fixed-rate loans with down payments as low as 10%. Certified Development Companies (CDC) work with the SBA and private sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses under the 504 loan program.

ABOUT NADCO
The National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) is the trade association of Certified Development Companies (CDCs) - nonprofit companies that have been certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financing for small businesses under the SBA 504 Program. NADCO represents nearly 270 CDCs, serving all 50 states. In 2012, the industry provided $6 billion to nearly 10,000 U.S. small businesses.

SOURCE National Association of Development Companies (NADCO)