Small business lending

Banks, under pressure to act hastily, began taking applications for government aid to small businesses hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. But narrow eligibility rules at some banks angered business owners and lawmakers.

The decision sparked outrage from small-business owners who have checking accounts with the bank but not loans or business credit cards. Bank of America started taking applications Friday for a $349 billion program that's intended to offer aid to small businesses suffering from the shocks of the coronavirus pandemic.

Yes, the Small Business Administration's emergency funding program for the coronavirus crisis is off to a rocky start, but that shouldn't stop banks from helping customers in need.

The CEO says he is getting stronger and working remotely; if the lockdown lasts several months, the GSEs may need a bailout, FHFA head Mark Calabria says.

Lenders can offer deferred payments and capitalize on digital banking to help small businesses and consumers get back on their feet.

The pandemic may force the Small Business Administration to rely more on fintechs and digital channels to hasten loan approvals, a shift that could stick.

The firms say they can't handle crushing loan demand from small and medium-sized businesses.

Online lenders can help the agency distribute loans faster as it gets set to deploy emergency funding to small businesses.

Lenders and government guarantors can use loan technology to bring immediate relief to business owners, former OCC official Jo Ann Barefoot says.

The Treasury Department and Small Business Administration are responsible for distributing $350 billion in coming months.