Fintech Lending Expands Small Businesses’ Options

Online fintech lending provides alternatives to traditional lending and has noticeably expanded the finance market, particularly for small businesses that might otherwise not obtain funding. But there’s room to improve.  

The Federal Reserve Banks’ Small Business Credit Survey 2020 Report on Employer Firms examines findings of a national survey of small business owners fielded in late 2019. As policymakers implement programs to help small businesses weather the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, this report provides important baseline data on small firms’ performance, financing positions, and relationships with lending institutions prior to the onset of the crisis. Read More  

Uncertain Terms: What Small Business Borrowers Find When Browsing Online Lender Websites

The information available to prospective borrowers on small business online lender websites varies widely, and it is not unusual for lenders to detail terms in footnotes, fine print, or frequently asked questions (FAQs). Read more.  

Click, Submit 2.0: An Update on Online Lender Applicants from the Small Business Credit Survey

Though they represent a small share of total small-business lending, nonbank online lenders are a growing source of small-dollar credit for small businesses. Which businesses sought funds through online sources? How successful were their borrowing experiences? Find out  

Homestead Program Is a Land Contract Success Story

Land contracts, when appropriately administered, allow low-income individuals who might not qualify for conventional bank-financed mortgages a chance to become homeowners. Read More