Some small businesses are starting to see an improvement in market conditions and the availability of credit, the Forum of Private Business said on Thursday.

Twenty-six per cent of members surveyed in the FPB’s monthly economic downturn panel reported an improvement in the market for their products and services – more than the 23 per cent that reported a deterioration. This is the first time since the panel was launched in November that more business owners have experienced positive rather than negative market conditions. However, 51 per cent saw no change.