The U.S. Small Business Administration today named KeyBank the top SBA Large 7(a) Lender of the Year. In a ceremony to launch National Small Business Week, SBA Secretary Karen Mills presented the award – the SBA’s highest recognition – to small businesses, lenders and investment banks that have demonstrated continuing commitment to the growth and expansion of small business. “This honor reflects our strong partnership with the SBA, our relationship approach to our business and our ongoing commitment to small businesses,” said Rick Wirthlin, President of KeyBank’s Seattle-Cascades District. “Key’s experience with SBA programs has helped us support our clients through a volatile economy.”
The SBA awards the Large 7(a) Lender of the Year based on factors such as portfolio performance, year over year growth in loan approval volume and on lender size, and ongoing commitment to the growth and expansion of small businesses.
Key is one of only four banks to consistently place among the nation’s top 30 SBA lenders. In addition, Key has pledged to make $5 billion in small business loans by 2014, and expects to fulfill that pledge well ahead of schedule.
Wirthlin added: “The SBA honor highlights our ability to identify creative ways to support the capital needs of our clients through different economic cycles, and reinforces our passion for prudently supporting the growth of our clients and our economy. It is a great honor to be recognized by the SBA, and an even greater honor to be able to help our clients thrive.”
Publisher’s Note: Each KeyBank location on the Eastside should be listed on the Bellevue Business Directory.