Although higher tax burdens on U.S. households were expected to make it more difficult for small companies to pay down debts, small business credit conditions improved in the first quarter of 2013, reversing much of the deterioration seen during Q4 2012. The improvement in credit quality has largely been the result of firms keeping a tight lid on labor costs. And while the overall picture has brightened for small companies over the past year, credit conditions are improving unevenly, both by firm size and geographically. Looking at the future, buyers are expected to continue closely watching their finances through the next quarter, limiting their discretionary spending which will cap revenue gains at small companies. Additionally, small-firm employment is likely to stay flat through the fall in preparation for "Obamacare" taking into effect in 2014.