Treasury to focus on small business

Today's issue of the Wall Street Journal reports: "The Obama administration is looking to steer new assistance to the nation's small-business community, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told members of Congress Monday night. "White House officials on Monday night pointed to $730 million from the stimulus plan that went to the Small Business Administration to reduce small-business fees and guarantee a greater share of some SBA loans. The Obama budget would authorize the SBA to support $28 billion in lending guarantees. "In what appears to be an expansion of those efforts, Mr. Geithner said Monday that the Obama administration will launch a plan next week that will provide financing, liquidity and guarantees to open up small-business lending, which is seen as a crucial element of economic recovery." Please click here for the complete article: "Treasury Plans Small-Business Aid."

In a related article, today's issue of the WSJ discusses how small businesses are looking to the federal government as a potential customer. Please click here for the complete article: "Opportunity Knocks and Uncle Sam Is at the Door."