Loosening of credit markets & improvements in spending may mean uptick in small-business hiring for 2011

I recently read an article by Sarah E. Needleman, Emily Maltby and Angus Loten that could, and should, be giving small and mid-sized business owners a ray of sunshine in what has been one of the toughest economic times in America.

The article states that companies have been helped by a loosening in the credit markets and increased consumer spending are slowly showing an increased interest in raising prices and hiring new employees. Yes, hiring employees. I know, a phrase we haven’t heard much of these days! When businesses feel encouraged to hire new employees—that means more quality positions for those job-seekers like yourself.

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here’s the overview of what small and mid-sized businesses can expect in 2011:

Some Relief in Lending

Stimulated in part by the 20 billion dollar Small Business Lending Fund, banks are expected to be more lenient with doling out loans this year. In conjunction with more money in the bank’s pockets, now that the economy has begun to turn around and more individuals have faith, analysts are expecting increased borrowing in 2011.

Prices Slowly Rising

As mentioned above, businesses are getting a bit of courage to step out on a limb and raise prices. This isn’t necessarily driven by desire, but rather necessity the article argues. The deep, gouged discounts that business offered in 2010 took a chunk out of many businesses’ bottom line, and it’s time to recover some of the lost profit.

Increase in Job Offers

Although it may be marginal, small and mid-sized business owners are slated to increase their work force. A December 2010 survey of nearly 2,000 businesses reveals that 44 percent of chief executives are planning on adding new employees to their roster this year. This kind of optimism is exactly what is needed to ensure the first-of-the-year momentum continues throughout the year.

So although the uptick in borrowing, lending, and hiring may seem small, I’d like to continue my New Year resolution of optimism and look at this article as a precedent for the remainder of 2011. I hope that we see an uptick in hiring that lasts this time – and that the hiring trend will help you in your job search!