Newtek Business Services, The Small Business Authority, announced the release of the SB Authority Index for March 2012 reaching 111.41 points.  The SB Authority Index is up .16% from February 2012. The growth was led by Newtek's proprietary merchant processing volume and retail sales.

President and CEO, Barry Sloane said, "The SB Authority Index continues to grow modestly in the month of March. We have clearly seen a slow down in the economy particularly in the month of March versus a more robust growth in December, January and February.  Most of the growth continues to come from consumption, spending and retail sales but without continued gains in employment and growth in personal income, the small business sector will not be a major contributor to U.S. economic growth.  The ADP employment report further substantiates and is consistent with the findings in the SB Authority Index that growth in 2012 has slowed and may continue to be sluggish in the upcoming months."