By adopting more inclusive lending practices and actively seeking to support minority-owned businesses, banks can help bridge the financing gap that often stifles the growth of these businesses.

Nearly 20 years ago, the SEC made business development companies subject to an obscure reporting rule that pushed them out of major index funds. Reversing course would be a major boon to small businesses.

While the $800 billion in PPP loans has largely self-liquidated through the forgiveness process, SBA continues to service the longer-duration EIDL portfolio and will likely be doing so for years to come after opting to hold on to the loans.

Banks maintain lists of consulting firms that they trust to help troubled commercial borrowers to fix their businesses. These specialists say they're getting more calls, especially in areas such as multifamily and CRE, from business owners who need help.

Isabel Casillas Guzman, administrator of the Small Business Administration, wants the agency to get involved in direct lending, a practice that was discontinued during the Clinton administration. Congress has not embraced the idea, to put it mildly.

Republicans on the House and Senate Small Business committees are accusing the SBA of being irresponsible in granting Funding Circle permission to participate in its flagship loan-guarantee program.

The decision to approve the fintech's application to make 7(a) loans came nearly a month after Funding Circle's U.K.-based CEO hinted it is considering a sale of its U.S. operations, alarming some members of Congress.

Some 54% of small businesses said in a recent survey that elevated rates had led to higher debt payments. And in a sign that loan demand remains soft, 37% reported delaying expansion plans or capital spending.

A blizzard of new rules and regulations strikes at the fundamental strengths of the U.S. banking system, and will have negative impacts on both American consumers and businesses.

Strategic alliances are a viable avenue leading to risk reduction and higher profits — provided that bankers can learn to embrace them.