While the big banks and mid-tier ADIs have signed on to support the government's and the Australian Banking Association's financial relief packages, small and specialist lenders are taking a much more cautious approach.The ABA reports that all its members that have substantial small business lending books have agreed to participate in the plan, which includes a deferral of interest for up to six months for small business customers. That is around 20 banks. Meanwhile, over the past few days small business lender Prospa, finance company FlexiGroup and equipment leasing company Consolidated Operations Group have issued statements saying their focus is on managing their risks and that origination volumes may fall.Small business lender Prospa said in a statement that due to the uncertainty around the spread and duration of Covid-19 and the economic impact on small business, "there is likely to be an unknown adverse impact on originations".The company withdrew its 2019/20 originations and revenue guidance. It originated A$306.8 million of loans during the December half - an increase of 37 per cent over the previous corresponding period.It said: "Prospa continues to provide funding for small businesses in a responsible way. The company's proprietary technology platform enables it to pro-actively adjust risk appetite in response to changing events. Prospa has already implemented a number of strategies to manage portfolio risk, while reducing costs and maintaining is strong balance sheet."Consolidated Operations Group, which has a commercial equipment leasing business, said it would scale back its direct lending operations with immediate effect and focus on the collection and management of its outstanding portfolio of lease receivables.The company wrote $23 million of new leases during the December half, compared with $24.8 million in the previous corresponding period.COG said: "The loan portfolio is materially match funded, meaning that there are no short-term liquidity/funding issues to confront as a result of lower than normal liquidity."On the positive side, the company said its commercial finance brokers have started to receive initial inquiries from SME customers for financing that qualifies for immediate tax deductibility under the stimulus package.Finance company FlexiGroup said it was withdrawing its business objective of increasing transaction volume by 10 to 15 per cent for the 2019/20 financial year.Receivables in the company's buy now pay later business grew 16 per cent to $642 million in the December half, while Australian card receivables grew 4 per cent to $708 million, New Zealand card receivables grew 10 per cent to $800 million. Commercial and leasing receivables were flat at $586 million.FlexiGroup said in a statement: "The company will manage new business volumes closely, maintain credit quality and, if required, slow volume growth to further address utilisation of existing headroom under the company's debt facilities."