Small businesses are the backbone of economies worldwide, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering community growth. Yet, many small business owners face a persistent hurdle: securing bank loans. Banks seem increasingly reluctant to lend to small businesses despite their critical role, leaving entrepreneurs scrambling for alternative funding sources. This article explores the trends for this trend, its implications, and potential solutions to bridge the gap between banks and small businesses. The Changing Landscape of Bank Lending Historically, banks were the go-to source for small business loans . However, lending to small businesses has declined significantly over the past few decades. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the share of bank loans going to small businesses dropped from 35% in the early 1990s to under 25% by 2020. Several factors contribute to this shift. Stricter Regulatory Requirements Post-2008 financial crisis, regulations like t...