Small Business News You Can Use (5/7)

The CBIZ Small Business Employment Index (SBEI), a barometer for hiring trends among companies with 300 or fewer employees, increased by .05 percent during April, following an increase of 1.66 percent in March. The uptick reflects the prognosis for sluggish growth in employment and follows a disappointing report on private sector job growth from ADP. If you’ve been on the fence about seeking a small business loan, the results of the 2012 Banking Trends Outlook Survey by Omega Performance suggest now might be the time to stop dithering and start applying for the financing your business needs. Nearly three in 10 Americans (29%) say they have been spending more in recent months than they used to, up from 17% who said the same in February 2010, the last time Gallup asked the question. At the same time, fewer Americans, 44%, say they have been spending less than they used to. American manufacturers say business is booming again, but many are complaining that banks aren't lending them money to ramp up production.