Ever since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac got the ball rolling in the mortgage market (making illiquid assets liquid by packaging them into securities), securitization has expanded into a variety of other markets, including credit-card debt, auto and home-equity loans, commercial mortgages, and trade receivables.

That practice allows originators to sell assets from their balance sheets and devote their capital to generating new business. Thus, securitization has enabled the extension of credit to a much greater number of individuals and businesses in the United States.

Barter provides real benefits to the undercapitalized small business owner. Because any time a company can take its unused or excess capacity and package it so it can be traded, the company is making a wise move.

The proceeds obtained, either goods or services on a direct basis or trade dollars on an indirect basis, can then be used in a variety of ways such as defraying overhead expenses, gaining market share, and paying down debt.