Pittsfield, MA – The United States Small Business Administration recognized Berkshire Bank, America's Most Exciting Bank®, as the "Top SBA Lender to Veterans" for fiscal year 2017 in Massachusetts. In addition, Berkshire Bank was the top 7a Lender in overall loan activity totaling 100 loans for $5.570 million for small businesses in the Western Massachusetts region.
The U.S. Small Business Administration reported that Massachusetts' small business owners received 2,549 loans supporting over $351 million in fiscal year 2017 (October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017) through its business loan programs.
"We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the SBA," stated Peter Rice, SVP, Business Banking Leader. "Our team is truly passionate about creating a relationship with small business owners and this award exemplifies their hard work and dedication."
For the SBA to recognize Berkshire Bank within the Massachusetts region reinforces the dedication of Berkshire Bank to fueling small businesses within the communities they serve.
"Congratulations to the Berkshire Bank team for not only being the top SBA lender in western MA, but also for being named the 2017 #1 lender to veterans here in the Commonwealth", said Bob Nelson, SBA MA District Director. "Supporting veteran's entrepreneurship through SBA loans is a win win for the business and the community and is a perfect way to say thank you to those that have served all of us. It is also significant to note that veteran entrepreneurs are more likely to hire fellow vets and to support other veteran owned firms. There is a multiplier effect through these loans."
Berkshire Bank is a preferred Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, works closely with SCORE and business development centers, 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. Find more information regarding Berkshire Bank's Small Business Lending programs at (800) 773-5601.
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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 $11.6 billion in assets and 113 full service branch offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania providing personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services. Berkshire Bank was named one of Massachusetts Most Charitable Companies in 2017 by the Boston Business Journal. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com, call 800-773-5601 or follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Berkshire Bank is the official bank of NESN's Boston Bruins coverage and the community partner of Boston Seasons at City Hall Plaza.
Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
Caption(s):
Featured from left to right: Mark Hayward, SBA Acting Regional Administrator, New England, Oreste Varela, SBA Branch Manager, Springfield, Peter Rice, Berkshire Bank SVP, Business Banking Leader, Eric Bancroft, Berkshire Bank VP, SBA Bus. Dev. Officer, and Robert Nelson, SBA District Director, MA.
To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 416663