Small business lending demand increased for a fourth consecutive month in April, according to the Monthly Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital.

The index showed that small business lending demand across the United States in April was up 2% over March, while year-over-year demand continued to show signs of significant growth. The index found that demand in April 2013 was up by 39% over April 2012. Overall, 2013 demand is up 44% over 2012 at the same time.
 
“Month-over-month demand in our index has continued to grow at approximately 2% per month,” said Stephen Lankler, Senior Vice President at Direct Capital. “While that growth is encouraging, the stark increase in demand versus 2012 really paints the picture of an improved small business economy in comparison to last year.”
 
Direct Capital’s Monthly Small Business Index is based on an algorithm that collects data from more than 200 sources