Small Business Authority Releases the December 2012 SB Authority Index - Up .23%

The Small Business Authority, announced the release of the SB Authority Index of small business indicators for December 2012 reaching 115.79 points. Approved SBA gross lending volume and the Russell Microcap Index led the increase. The SB Authority index is up .23% from November 2012.

President and CEO, Barry Sloane said, "We are concerned about a real soft December for consumer spending. We believe that fiscal Cliff discussions must have dampened enthusiasm for consumer spending and the economy at large. Despite a better stock market for small business equities and a better lending market for small business the index inched up modestly."

Newtek Business Services, Inc.,The Small Business Authority, is a direct distributor of a wide range of business services and financial products to the small- and medium-sized business market under the Newtek brand. Since 1999, Newtek has helped small- and medium-sized business owners realize their potential by providing them with the essential tools needed to manage and grow their businesses and to compete effectively in today's marketplace. Newtek provides its services to over 100,000 business accounts and has positioned the Newtekbrand as a one-stop-shop provider of such business services. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are over 27.5 million small businesses in the United States, which in total represent 99.7% of all employer firms.