SAN JOSE, Calif. -- As small businesses continue to feel the squeeze from a tightening of credit standards, Tech Credit Union is promoting the financial institution as an alternative for those that have had problems qualifying for financing through traditional lending channels.

Building on the 2006 launch of its business services program that included Small Business Administration loans, $1.3 billion Tech CU has expanded its lineup to include digital bookkeeping, tax preparation and data storage.

Part of the expansion has to do with the tightening of credit standards and sluggish economy, which has made it more difficult for small businesses to access capital, said Sarah Samuel, assistant vice president of business services at Tech CU.

"Small business owners are having a tough time of it right now," Samuel said. "They are facing a contracting credit market and that's making capital hard to come by. There are alternatives available for financing, though many don't realize it."

Samuel said the credit union is touting itself as an option to businesses in the Bay Area particularly with SBA loans.

Tech CU has partnered with Newtek Business Solutions to provide the additional business services to its nearly 78,000 member base.