A new paper from the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection provides a look at the information covered in the FTC’s “Strictly Business” forum on small business financing.

The staff perspective paper outlines a number of topics discussed by participants in the forum. It provides an overview of small business lending and the emergence of new online options available to businesses seeking financing. The paper covers both potential benefits and consumer protection concerns around these online lending options for businesses, and explores in detail consumer protection issues associated with merchant cash advances.

In addition to the staff perspective, the FTC has created a direct complaint link for small businesses to submit lending- or financing-related complaints. The agency encourages small business owners to submit complaints if they have experienced potentially unlawful conduct.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.