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Washington Watch
December 10, 2003
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Study Shows Nationwide
Increase In Micro-Business Loans
The number of micro-business loans issued by U.S.
banks increased dramatically in 2002, according to a
new report issued by the Office of Advocacy of the
Small Business Administration. The loans, of less than
$100,000, jumped 45 percent in 2001-2002, as a result
of promotion and the use of small-business credit
cards.
The significance of this increase in micro-lending is
evident when compared to the number of other small
business loans that were distributed. While
micro-loans were up 45 percent, loans of between
$100,000 and $250,000 increased by only 8.8 percent,
and loans of $250,000 to 1 million increased 9.8
percent. The report, "Small Business and Micro
Business Lending in the United States, 2002 Edition,"
identifies the recession as a reason both borrowers
and lenders may have held off new borrowing and
lending in reaction to the uncertain economy.
"Small Business and Micro Business Lending in the
United States, 2002 Edition" can be found on the
Advocacy Web site.
A More User-Friendly IRS Small
Business Web site
Based on feedback from taxpayers like you, the
Internal Revenue Service revamped its Web content for small
businesses and the self-employed. If you have not been there
lately, check out these changes, aimed at making the IRS Web
site more user friendly:
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A new landing page that creates a "Self-Employed
Community" and
provides one-stop shopping for all the information and links
a
self-employed filer needs.
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Revision of the "States
Pages" to include additional state links
important to the businessperson.
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Addition of forms and publications appropriate for the
International
community on the "International
Section".
All of these changes can be found on the IRS
Small
Business/Self-Employed
Web
site.
Congress To Return Home for Winter
Recess
Even as Congress leaves Washington, D.C., this month to work
back in their home districts and states, the NASE continues
its advocacy efforts on your behalf. Washington Watch will
be on hiatus until Congress returns in January, but look for
updates on legislative activity at the NASE
Legislative Action
Center. Meanwhile, you can also use the Legislative
Action Center to write your Member of Congress about the
issues important to you.
Do any of these issues affect you? Visit the NASE Legislative
Action Center and “Tell Your
Small Business Story.” This will help the NASE understand -
on a personal level - how key legislative issues are affecting
your business and your bottom line.
For more information about any of the articles in
Washington Watch, contact Maureen Petron, NASE public
affairs manager, at (202) 466-2100 or
mpetron@nase.org.
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