Small businesses represent 99% of all companies in the United States. This is a difficult time for small businesses as they find it increasingly difficult to obtain financing as a result of the credit crunch and at the same time may face declining revenues as a result of the economic slowdown.

This report looks at trends among small businesses and how these trends impact the banking choices and choice of payment methods among small business owners. Small businesses are somewhat of a hybrid group and represent a cross between consumers and more complex business organizations.

Small businesses represent 99% of all companies in the United States. This is a difficult time for small businesses as they find it increasingly difficult to obtain financing as a result of the credit crunch and at the same time may face declining revenues as a result of the economic slowdown.

This report looks at trends among small businesses and how these trends impact the banking choices and choice of payment methods among small business owners. Small businesses are somewhat of a hybrid group and represent a cross between consumers and more complex business organizations.

This report examines key questions facing the banking and credit card industry as it relates to the small business market:

How the impact of the current economic crisis affects small business owners

How banks and credit card marketers are marketing to small businesses

What are some of the potential marketing strategies efficient in targeting small businesses

How the groups within small business differ, and how of these groups' characteristics influence their banking needs

The payment method choices of small business and how to increase the use of debit and credit cards for a larger share of their business expenditures