Description: President Barack Obama called small businesses the “engine” of the U.S. economy and said too many are still struggling to get the credit they need to operate.

Source: Bloomberg.com

Date: 10/24/2009

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a7zcW8m3pMH0

Questions for discussion: 

• Why would banks be slow to provide more credit to small businesses at this time? Explain your answer.
• Do you think banks are being prudent in their caution to lend to small businesses? 
• What do small businesses typically finance through bank loans?
• How can government encourage greater borrowing by small businesses?