America’s businesses form the backbone of the economy. Small businesses account for more than 99 percent of all companies with employees. They employ 50 percent of all private sector workers and provide nearly 45 percent of the nation’s payroll.

A commitment to planning today will protect your business investment and give your company a better chance for survival. Part of business planning is predicting the amount of capital your business needs to operate and expand. But what happens when banks aren’t lending?

A 2010 study shows lending across the U.S. economy contracted 7.4 percent last year, the biggest drop since 1942, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. That means $1.5 trillion in lending evaporated last year, the Treasury Department estimates.

Fortunately, there are other places to look for business help. The Center for Rural Affairs’ REAP program is an example. In the last year, REAP placed 77 loans totaling $1,233,500 to help small businesses in rural areas of Nebraska.

For the Hispanic Business Center, this is an exciting time. REAP set a new overall lending record last year, and 10 Hispanic entrepreneurs obtained a REAP loan and/or a leverage loan. We also added a translator to our Online Lending System so language is not a barrier to HBC clients.

We expect to increase these numbers in 2012. This is a contribution we are leaving to our next generation, to make sure they have a good place to live, a stronger economy and more opportunities in rural America.

While financial institutions are closing the doors to some microentrepreneurs, you can explore other opportunities to reach your dreams or stay in business. Sometimes a 5-minute conversation with the local chamber or economic development office can produce great benefits. Please take the time to explore what is available in your area.

For more information on REAP or the Hispanic Business Center, contact Juan E. Sandoval at juans@cfra.org or 402.371.7786.