Lending to small businesses in Maine by the U.S. Small Business Administration grew in volume and value this fiscal year.

The federal agency reported that the number of SBA loans grew by 22 percent in FY2015 over FY2014 with 539 loans compared with 441 in 2014. The dollar amount of those loans also increased to $109,623,702 from $103,321,040, a 6 percent rise.

The SBA reported most loans were made to retail companies (80 loans) followed by lodging and food services (79 loans), construction (51), manufacturing (47) and health care (44). All of those categories saw increases from the previous year, according to a release from the SBA.

“We are delighted to have such robust growth in Maine,” said SBA Regional Administrator Seth Goodall in the release. “These numbers indicate that capital is available to small businesses across the business spectrum, and the Small Business Administration is playing a vital role in delivering that capital to them.”

The agency also recognized its top lenders for the fiscal year. Bangor Savings Bank was named the top overall SBA lender in Maine; Kennebunk Savings Bank the top performing third party lender; Granite State Economic Development Corp. the top performing 504 lender; Eastern Maine Development Corp. the top performing community advantage lender; Penobscot County Federal Credit Union the top performing credit union; and Community Concepts Finance Corp. the top performing microlender.

A ceremony recognizing the top lenders is scheduled for Nov. 17 at Governor’s Restaurant in Waterville.

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