PITTSFIELD, MA, November 10, 2015 – The United States Small Business Administration recognized Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank®, as the “Top SBA Lender” for fiscal year 2015 in Central New York District within the large community lender group. Berkshire totaled 81 loans for small businesses in the Central New York Region for $3.171 million.
The U.S. Small Business Administration reported that Capital Region’s small business owners received 870 loans supporting over $207 million in fiscal year 2015 (October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015) through its business loan programs.
“With 7(a) loan program fee reductions in effect, our loan approvals have broken the $200 million mark for the first time and Berkshire Bank was a significant contributor to this year’s record,” said SBA Syracuse District Director Bernard J. Paprocki.
Berkshire Bank was responsible for 187 7(a) approvals totaling more than $9 million at the district level. These SBA loans can make an honest difference, especially to the communities that use these small dollar loans more frequently. The Syracuse District Office distributes the SBA's various programs and services to 34 counties in Central New York. For more information about these programs and services, the office can be reached at (315)-471-9393.
Berkshire Bank was also recognized as “Top SBA Lender” in the Capital region of New York, Western Massachusetts and Vermont, emphasizing the dedication of Berkshire Bank to fueling small businesses within all the communities they serve.
Berkshire Bank is a preferred Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, works closely with the New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC), is a participant in the Massachusetts Treasurer's Office Small Business Partnership Program and offers a full suite of financial services for small businesses. Berkshire’s Small Business division is dedicated to helping business customers grow their companies and invests in the surrounding communities to help strive for success.
Berkshire has a team of dedicated small business banking professionals located in every region throughout its footprint trained to help customers find the best combination of services to make their businesses prosper—today and in the future. For more information regarding Berkshire Bank’s Small Business Lending programs, contact the Commercial Lending group at (315)-433-0111.
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About Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank®. The Company, recognized for its entrepreneurial approach and distinctive culture, has $7.8 billion in assets and 93 full service branch offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont providing personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services. In 2015, Berkshire Bank was named one of Massachusetts’ Most Charitable Companies by the Boston Business Journal. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com or call 800-773-5601. Berkshire Bank, is the official bank of NESN’s Boston Bruins coverage.
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Heidi Higgins; Assistant Vice President, Marketing; 413-236-3756