Do Government Guaranteed Small Business Loans Increase Employment? Evidence From US Counties, 2010-2016
Received: Jan 15, 2023; Accepted: May 22, 2023
Published Online: Jun 30, 2023
Abstract
Small businesses in lower-income communities and/or communities with a higher proportion of minorities are more likely to face credit rationing in the financial market. The Small Business Administration (SBA) established loan programs to alleviate the financial constraints experienced by small businesses, particularly those in underserved communities, and to foster economic development. Using data from the SBA’s 7(a) and 504 lending programs and the seven-year county panels from 2010 to 2016, this study provides some evidence that an increase in SBA loans had a positive effect on employment in lower-income counties, particularly where the proportion of the black population was higher.