Microsoft increases finance for small enterprises

Small businesses will be offered more finance

Microsoft is increasing its loans for small businesses

Microsoft is planning to increase its loans to smaller businesses that are struggling to finance high-tech purchases.

The firm expects to ramp up loans to $1.25bn (£627m) in 2008, compared with $780m last year, which could serve as a significant sales initiative.

A Microsoft UK representative was unable to say how much would be available to domestic businesses, as the company is "being cautious" due to the uncertain economic climate.