As leaders of community banks and credit unions raised concerns about a government initiative to increase lending to small business owners, one group of lenders stands poised to help their account holders act quickly on new opportunities: small business credit card issuers. Over the past few months, many major banks and retailers have overhauled their small business credit card offerings, including:

• Ink, from Chase Credit Cards, debuted with four new products aimed at different types of small business purchasers
• New accounts from American Express reward frequent flyers who switch company expenses to their charge cards
• Software from MasterCard allows issuing banks to attract more small business credit card accounts with automated expense tracking

Although details of a government small business stimulus package have yet to be finalized, proponents note that an injection of funds to secure company owners' credit lines can have an almost immediate impact on the health of the overall economy. Securing additional credit for existing small business accounts can improve cash flow and expansion options for small businesses without requiring significant paperwork or funding delays.