The Small Business Lending Fund, a fund set that promotes lending to small businesses and was created as part of the Small Business Jobs Act, has increased its lending to North Carolina small businesses by more than $205.3 million.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department's report, those participating in the SBLF have increased lending for six straight quarters. Nationwide, "SBLF participants have increased lending by $7.4 billion overall and $740 million over the prior quarter."

“Community banks participating in the Obama Administration’s Small Business Lending Fund have consistently increased small business lending over the past two years, resulting in increased access to capital for thousands of small and family-owned businesses across the country,” said Neal Wolin, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.

Federal loans are available for some North Carolina small businesses and other entities impacted by the 2012 drought.

According to the Small Business Administration, "federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in North Carolina as a result of the drought and excessive heat between April 1 and July 31, 2012."

The declaration includes entities in Wake, Durham, Granville, Person, Franklin and Vance counties that experienced financial loss because of the drought.

Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers are not eligible. Loan applications are due no later than Aug. 12, 2013. For more information and to apply for a loan, go here.

By Tiffany Hsu - Los Angeles Times

The job outlook at America’s small businesses is the worst it’s ever been, according to the new Gallup Small Business Index.

Last month, 21 percent of small-business owners said they expected to lower head count over the next six months – the highest percentage recorded by the Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index since its launch in 2003. In July, the last time the data was compiled, 10 percent of bosses said they planned to shrink employee ranks.

The Small Business Adminsitration will offer counseling and resources to small business owners in cities around the country, including Raleigh, affected by the National Hockey League lockout, according to an SBA press release.

The Garner Revitalization Association is offering local artists and entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products during the holiday shopping season. The association is “popping up” the Main Street Market in an empty storefront on Main Street during the town’s holiday events this weekend.

The market will be located at 102 E. Main St.  It will be open on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the Light Up Main Tree Lighting Celebration. The market will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m., which coincides with the Garner Christmas Parade that begins at 2 p.m.

Fourteen local vendors will offer handmade and unique products and foods ideal for holiday entertaining and gift giving. Some of these vendors are well-established companies who don’t have a traditional retail presence while others are start-ups evaluating the market before launching or growing their businesses. The market also provides an opportunity for Garner area residents to shop locally during the holidays.

Garner’s downtown district currently has few retail businesses. Plans are underway by the association and the town to increase visibility and accessibility to the area to encourage small business growth and investment.

“There are many talented and creative local business people who are working and selling primarily outside of Garner”, said John Hodges, Executive Director of the Garner Revitalization Association. “We hope the market will give these businesses an opportunity to increase their visibility at home and in turn help us grow our retail base. One of them may even be the next permanent tenant in the store space.”

Main Street Market will include products such as ornaments, pottery, jewelry, gourmet foods, dog treats, Garner merchandise and more. The market will also feature model train displays by the Neuse River Valley Model Railway Club. For more information and a complete vendor listing, visit here.

Need help with setting up an accounting system, taxation issues, lending, or marketing with Pinterest? Check out these free seminars for small businesses at Wake Tech.

Setting up your Small Business Accounting System FREE (No pre-registration required.)

Nov 27 6:45-9pm Western Wake Campus Room 118 

Nov 29 6:45-9pm North Campus – D 310

Taxation issues for Small Business – FREE (No pre-registration required.)

Dec 4 6:45-9pm Western Wake Campus – Room 118

Dec 6 6:45-9pm North Campus – D 310

SBA Small Business Lending is Back! – FREE (No pre-registration required).

Dec 4 6:45-9pm North Campus – D 120

Dec 6 6:45-9pm Western Wake Campus – Room 118

Marketing with Pinterest for Small Business – FREE (to register- email caroix@waketech.edu )

Dec 6 – 8:35am - 10:15am Western Wake Campus – Room 118

For more information about these classes, contact Kandy Griffis at kcgriffis@waketech.edu.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield is expanding its efforts to attract small businesses interested in tax credits tied to federal health overhaul.

The state's largest health insurer is running ads on TV and elsewhere about the new tax credits, and recently started an online calculator for small business owners.

Blue Cross plans across the country are hoping to stand out among other health insurers that also are competing to win new customers among businesses that previously didn't provide health coverage.

"Small businesses are heavily impacted by health care reform," said Blue Cross CEO Brad Wilson, in a prepared statement. "I hope all North Carolina small businesses will take advantage of these resources to ensure they receive the maximum benefits from this law."

The U.S. Treasury today issued new guidelines on the Affordable Care Act, in an attempt to clear up confusion created by the law passed earlier this year.

The deadline to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration is this Friday.

The loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations in Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Jones, Lenoir, Pamlico and Pitt counties whose property was damaged by the severe storms and flooding that hit those areas on Aug. 12.