U.S. Small Business Administration Alaska District Office Recognizes Lenders for their Commitment to Alaskan Small Businesses

Alaska Growth Capital, an Alaskan Business and Industrial Development Corporation (BIDCO), with 37 SBA loan approvals, was selected as the Alaska SBA Lender of the Year for 2007. This award recognizes the SBA lender that achieves the overall highest number of SBA loan approvals to businesses located in Alaska during the federal fiscal year. Any type of financial institution, located anywhere in the United States, may be considered for this award.

"Alaska Growth Capital and its business lending team are dedicated and focused in our commitment to small businesses in Alaska," said John Delano, the lending institution senior loan officer.

For the second consecutive year, Alaska Growth Capital has been the top SBA lender in Alaska in providing needed capital to Alaskan small businesses.

Alaska Pacific Bank, a local community bank headquartered in Juneau that serves all of Southeast Alaska, with 20 SBA loan approvals, was selected as the Alaska SBA Community Based Lender of the Year for 2007. This award recognizes the Alaska-based SBA lender that achieves the highest volume of SBA loan approvals to businesses located in Alaska during the federal fiscal year, and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the small business community through support of SBA programs and services. Any type of financial institution that has its headquarters in the state of Alaska and primarily serves the Alaskan market may be considered for this award.

“I am very pleased that Alaska Pacific Bank has been recognized by the SBA for utilizing its small business loan programs. The SBA offers many financing options that clearly support our mission of serving the needs of business customers throughout Southeast Alaska,” said Alaska Pacific Bank president and chief executive officer, Craig E. Dahl.

"Alaska Growth Capital, Alaska Pacific Bank, and our other SBA lending partners play vital roles in financing new Alaskan small businesses, and facilitating the expansion of existing businesses,” said Sam Dickey, SBA deputy district director. “We are proud to recognize Alaska Growth Capital and Alaska Pacific Bank for their success in using SBA’s loan guaranty programs to provide our small business community with access to capital.

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