There could be good news on the horizon for those who are pursuing their MBA degrees. With stimulus funds extending the small business loan program in the Small Business Association (SBA), some analysts are viewing this as a sign of economic recovery for 2010. Businesses in the Dallas area have experienced an increase in lending opportunities, according to the Fort Worth Business Press. The SBA's local office is ranked second in the country in terms of lending, falling only behind Los Angeles, which is a much larger office, according to the news source.

Greg Clarkson, executive vice president of the SBA lending group at BBVA Compass, feels that loans coupled with employee and client trust will help fuel the nation's recovery. "It will take confidence in employees, consumers, employers and also in the lenders to be able to fuel this economic recovery," Clarkson told the news provider. "If any of those groups has a lower confidence level at any time it’s just going to prolong the recovery."

Even if small businesses experience a turnaround, it may be a good idea to pursue an MBA degree, as many companies will only be looking for the highest qualified employees.