Financial Freeze Starting to Thaw?

Over the past year or so, when talking with our franchise clients, one thing became painfully clear: the interest in franchising was high, but the franchisees were having one heck of time securing financing to launch their new businesses.

In recent months, however, we've been seeing signs of hope. So have a few of our clients, with some noting that more of their financing requests were being approved. Though not the case for everyone, it still comes as welcomed news of better days ahead.

Small Business Administration Chief Karen Mills has also seen "measurable progress" in getting financing to the nation's small businesses. Check our excerpts from her interview with Raymund Flandez of The Wall Street Journal here.

Reading the comments to the article, it's clear that many are still critical/skeptical of the SBA's plans to stimulate financing and support for small businesses. What do you think of the SBA's efforts in recent months? Share your comments here.