RJ and Makay

In an important sign that the economy is beginning to expand, companies are increasingly seeking loans and banks are more frequently saying "Yes."

In the last three months of 2010, for example, U.S. Bancorp wrote $8 billion in new business loans — its largest volume in two years — and JPMorgan Chase added 400 midsize companies to its client list. According to the Federal Reserve, bank loans overall grew for the first time in two years. "Companies are talking about growth in ways they haven't for three years," relates Perry Pelos, head of Wells Fargo's commercial banking unit.