Small businesses continued turning to the U.S. Small Business Administration for commercial credit in record numbers through the first three quarters of FY 2005, reflecting their confidence in the U.S. economy and the stability of the SBAloan program that backs their loans.

Small businesses secured SBA backing under the agency's flagship 7(a) program for 71,131 loans through the first nine months of the fiscal year, a 21 percent increase over the same period a year ago and a 49 percent increase over the same period two years ago.

The loans made so far this year amount to $11.1 billion, 19.5 percent more than in the same period last year, and on a clear pace for a record-setting year for the program.

Playing in his hometown -- actually, he went to high school in the Philadelphia 'burbs -- Kobe Bryant was brilliant with 31 points, five rebounds and five assists in the West's 135-120 victory.

Bryant shot, passed and defended. Plus, he had worn his father's throwback jersey to a Friday media event, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant being an old-school 76er who was still popular around town.

In short, Kobe did everything -- but win the crowd. He was booed in the introductions, booed during the game, booed when his game MVP award was announced. Was it because he was perceived as being not "Philly" enough, more California roll than cheesesteak? Because he played for the West? Because he was a Laker? Because he was, you know, Kobe? Basketball Tickets Whatever the reason, it cut deep. "I don't know what to say," said a disheartened Bryant after the game. "I'm happy to win MVP in Philadelphia. The booing was just hurtful. But it's not going to ruin this day for me." Few teammates, it seemed, rushed to his defense either. And so this All-Star Game seemed to cement the idea that Bryant, while indisputably a brilliant player, would never be warmly received by either the public or his fellow players.

"We had a record year for this loan program a year ago, and we're going to set another record in 2005," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "It tells us that the critics are wrong, that small businesses are confident enough to invest in the future of the American economy, and that this program is here to help them do it. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of the self-funded footing on which the President has placed the loan program, and the confidence that lenders have in its stability. I am very pleased with this performance so far this year."

The gains are also reflected in the SBA's Certified Development Company, or 504, loan program. Through the first nine months of the fiscal year, the 504 program had issued 6,434 loans worth $3.44 billion, more than 6 percent ahead of the same period a year ago, when the program had produced 6,058 loans for $2.88 billion.

The budget for the current year makes more than $21 billion available to small businesses through the two loan programs, including $16 billion in small business lending under the 7(a) program and $5 billion under the 504 program.

For information on applying for an SBA loan, visit the SBA's extensive Web site