Among the fallout from last year's economic meltdown was the virtual standstill of the credit market. With banks near insolvency and others unsure what would happen next, everyone from home and car buyers to small businesses to most of the American auto industry were unable to secure lines of credit for regular business purchases. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, (ARRA or "the stimulus") provided over $700 million to both waive fees and increase guarantees from the Small Business Administration. And according to an analysis by Crain's, it looks like it might be working. That's because government-backed loans to small businesses are running about 50 percent higher nationally now than they were in Februrary, before the bill was enacted. Among Chicago-area businesses, that number is even higher. more ›