Newtek Business Services, Inc., The Small Business Authority®, announced today the release of the SB Authority Index of small business indicators for September 2014 which reached 129.17 points. The Russell Microcap Index, new entity formation and retail sales led the increase. The SB Authority Index is up 0.28% from August 2014. On a year-over-year comparison, the SB Authority Index is up 5.88%.

Barry Sloane, Chairman, President and CEO of The Small Business Authority® commented, "Another tepid increase for the small business economy in the September Index as we are experiencing a roller coaster ride in the coastal markets. The Russell Micro-Cap Index and interest rates are experiencing extreme volatility, coupled with worldwide events such as ISIS and Ebola threatening the small business economy. These events tend to lead to the type of uncertainty that slows the small business economy and creates hesitancy amongst independent business owners."