Since the onset of the economic crisis, lenders have made significant cuts in credit and have actually begun rejecting loans requested by successful businesses.  This crunch on capital has affected the stability and success of many small manufacturers and retailers.  However, the credit crisis has also encouraged small businesses to focus on ways to maintain and even enhance their stability during difficult times. 

You may need a growing client list now more than ever before. If your inflow of cash is down, however, it can seem tough, even unwise, to put some of those hard-earned dollars toward marketing. Unfortunately, less marketing can lead to fewer clients.

There are moments when it seems like the entire U.S. auto industry is collapsing in slow motion. The process is so full of uncertainty and real pain that a cold, rational analysis of the implications for small manufacturers may seem beside the point. But as the shockwave of Chrysler’s and GM’s bankruptcies reverberates through the second, third and fourth tier of suppliers, there are important lessons to be learned for the future, particularly concerning what sort of economic bets make the most sense for twenty-first century manufacturing companies.