LENDING IS UP, BUT: Loans to small businesses rose only slightly in July, according to PayNet, a research firm that tracks loans to small companies. Lending has fallen in five of the last seven months.

DELINQUENCIES RISE: Small businesses are taking longer to pay their bills, a sign that their cash flow is being pinched.

THE BROADER PICTURE: The report was in line with surveys of small business owners that show they're borrowing less and hiring few workers. Many business owners don't want to make any commitments while they're unsure about the economy.