Bailout money may aid small business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is considering using money from the $700 billion financial bailout fund to provide further assistance to the nation's struggling small businesses, in a continuing attempt to find a way to make up for clogged credit.

Officials said Friday that no plan had emerged, although small business has been a subject of staff-level talks in Obama's economic team.

But the officials stressed that the plans underscore that the White House and Treasury Departments, together with the Small Business Administration, are aware of the problems confronting Main-Street America.

Two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal administration deliberations in which no decisions have yet been announced.

One idea under consideration is using a program that helps banks lend to small businesses at low rates.