Start-up capital – Small businesses and bankers agreed that start-up businesses have always had difficulty obtaining financing, and that now it is almost impossible to secure bank credit. At several meetings, participants noted an increased demand for  BIS Review 99/2010  13  this type of financing, particularly given the number of unemployed workers who are now looking to start businesses.
–  In Memphis, start-up capital was identified as a significant need, yet some financial institutions indicated that they lend only to firms with five years of operating experience. –  A Cleveland meeting that focused on venture capital highlighted the downward trend in the availability of venture capital equity.