Outlook good for small business in 2012

According to the recently released Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index, small business lending rose by 18 percent between November 2010 and November 2011, Reuters reports.

This, along with other data suggesting the economy grew over the final quarter of 2011, is fueling optimism about the future.

"(The surge) tells us there will be growth for at least the next quarter," said Bill Phelan, founder of PayNet, as quoted by the news source. "There is underlying strength in the economy that is not being reported elsewhere."

Another positive indicator identified by the survey was that small businesses are more deftly managing their debt. The percentage of accounts in moderate delinquency (behind by 30 to 90 days) fell by five basis points to 1.5 percent in November, while those in severe delinquency (behind by 90 days or more) dropped one basis point to 0.39 percent.

According to a recent study by website creation solution Webs, nearly half (49 percent) of 528 entrepreneurs surveyed have a positive outlook for 2012 and believe the year will be good for business.