Local Banks Seek Strides in Closing Racial Lending Disparities
Lending to minority-owned small businesses is increasing rapidly in Massachusetts, as some local bankers and federal officials work to level the playing field.
SBA Reports ‘Major Increase’ of Loans to Black-Owned Businesses
The US Small Business Administration reported an...
SBA Expert Takes on New Challenge
After two years that saw some small businesses thrive as others struggled through the pandemic, Charles Smith wants to help more entrepreneurs prepare for future growth, especially with big infrastructure projects in the offing.
PPP Opens Lenders’ Eyes to Their Potential
While most of its loans have already been or likely will be forgiven, the Paycheck Protection Program has transformed community financial institutions, forcing banks to explore new processes and technologies to handle loan volumes while expanding their customer relationships. And its effects are likely to continue for years.
A Role That Touches Every Part of the Bank
Martha Dean’s career has twice involved her in building operations divisions for de novo banks. Now Eastern Bank’s executive vice president of operations, she’s poised to play a central role in the lender’s merger with Century Bank.
New SBA Head Plans Changes at Agency
The new head of the Small Business Administration says she expects to make changes at the agency that she says will enable it to further help small companies devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Banks Turn to Online Portals to Process PPP Forgiveness
With 118,000 Massachusetts small businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors receiving loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, lenders must now work on the forgiveness phase.
Eastern Bank, St. Mary’s CU Among Top SBA Lenders in 2019
Nearly 2,000 Massachusetts small businesses received loans worth more than $700 million through the U.S. Small Business Administration loan programs during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.
Profits at Eastern Bank Swell in 2018
Eastern Bank reported another very profitable year, reporting annual earnings in 2018 that exceeded those of similarly-sized peers such as Berkshire Bank and Rockland Trust.
TD Bank Expanding Small Business Teams
TD Bank announced this week that it would be expanding its small business teams in several key markets, including Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Berkshire Bank To Move Into Jersey, Philly With Latest Deal
Berkshire Hills Bancorp’s announcement that it would...
