All posts by Gary Stockton
Join Experian for the Q1 2024 Quarterly Business Credit Review as we dive into quarterly small business credit trends June 4th at 10am PT.
The Beyond the Trends report highlights indicators which offer insights on labor, prices, commercial credit and economic conditions.
Explore instant decisioning in business automation, an approach to streamline credit decisions integrating data and automating processes.
Explore how batch append credit scores revolutionize risk management and efficiency in financial services, with insights from Experian's Erikk Kropp.
Data is central to modernizing the credit approval process. We discuss useful formats beyond traditional business credit reports and scores.
We're kicking off a series of posts about the path to modernization framework featuring Sr. Product Manager, Erikk Kropp.
As of recent years, women-owned businesses in the United States have experienced significant growth and have become a substantial force in the economy. It is estimated that there are more than fourteen million women owned business generating over two trillion dollars in annual revenue. The growth in women owned businesses has been fueled by a myriad of reasons, is occurring across all age groups and serves a diverse number of industries. Even with the growth in the number of women owned businesses and the economic impact these business have, women owned businesses are still underserved in the commercial credit markets. Female business owners tend to operate in industries that have a greater need for continuous working capital, thus women owned businesses tend to rely on revolving credit lines. Even with this demand for capital, women business owners are hesitant to apply for financing, and when they do, they are receiving a growing proportion of commercial credit, but the amount of credit granted still trails that of men. The recent growth in women owned businesses could be a driving factor in this disparity. New business have limited to no commercial credit history forcing lenders to evaluate the guarantor’s personal credit. On average, female business owners have a lower consumer credit score, which could be because they are carrying more personal debt to fund their businesses, ultimately decreasing their access to commercial credit. There are a number of factors that when combined, are limiting equal access to commercial credit for female business owners. The good news is that the number of successful women owned businesses continues to climb, and more grants and loans are available to women business owners. What I am watching While inflation in the U.S. is easing, it is still above the Fed’s 2% target. It is widely expected that the Federal Reserve will begin to lower interest rates later this year. It appears that the anticipated recession which led lenders to tighten credit will not occur. Therefore, lenders will likely begin to loosen credit criteria and potentially provide more opportunities for women-owned businesses to obtain the credit they need to operate and expand.
About the Main Street Report Experian and Oxford Economics have released the Q4 2023 Main Street Report. The report brings deep insight into the overall financial well-being of the small-business landscape, as well as providing commentary around what specific trends mean for credit grantors and the small-business community. Critical factors in the Main Street Report include a combination of business credit data (credit balances, delinquency rates, utilization rates, etc.) and macroeconomic information (employment rates, income, retail sales, industrial production, etc.). Q4 Report Highlights As we reflect on the journey of the American economy through the last quarter of 2023 and look ahead to 2024, it's clear that the resilience and adaptability of small businesses and consumers have been nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing challenges such as inflation and tighter lending conditions, the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Main Street has not only endured but is poised for growth. Unwavering Consumer Confidence Spurs Economic Optimism The U.S. economy, riding on the robustness of consumer spending, has once again demonstrated its strength. Consumers have outpaced holiday spending expectations, injecting vital liquidity into small businesses. This surge in spending has enabled these businesses to pay down debt and pivot towards capital expenditure and strategic growth planning for the coming year. The foundation of our economic optimism is solidified by the expected continuation of consumer support, bolstered by a strong labor market, and rising disposable incomes. Main Street Report Points to Easing Delinquency Among Small Businesses In the latest report, Oxford Economics anticipates an improved economic backdrop, along with a shift towards easier financing conditions, will keep the rise in corporate delinquencies muted and limit the normalization of bankruptcies over the coming year. Possibility of Changing Fed Policies Bodes Well for Innovation While headwinds such as inflation and cautious lending persist, the horizon is bright for small businesses. The Federal Reserve's anticipated policy adjustments, alongside a resilient consumer base, provide a green light for investment and growth. The adaptability and forward-thinking approach of small businesses will be crucial in harnessing these opportunities, driving not only their success but also contributing to the broader economic prosperity. Let It Grow As we stand on the threshold of 2024, the U.S. economy, powered by the dynamism of Main Street, is preparing to embark on a season of growth. The challenges of the past have paved the way for a future marked by resilience, innovation, and optimism. Small businesses, supported by a strong economic foundation and favorable policies, are set to lead the charge in driving forward the American dream. Download Your Copy of the Q4 2023 Main Street Report Today!
Get the latest quarterly small business credit trends Mark your calendars! Experian and Oxford Economics will discuss small business credit conditions when we present key findings in the latest Main Street Report for Q4 2023 during the Quarterly Business Credit Review. Michael Pearce, Oxford’s Lead U.S. Economist, will share his take on Experian’s most recent small business credit data and offer a macroeconomic outlook for the coming quarter. Brodie Oldham, Experian’s V.P. of Commercial Data Science, will cover commercial credit trends. Q4 2023 Main Street Report The Q4 2023 Experian/Oxford Economics Main Street report will be released on February 27th. If you are not already subscribed to thought leadership updates, be sure to sign up for updates on our Commercial Insights Hub.
