Florence Bank Ranked Top SBA Lender in Western Massachusetts for First and Second Quarter

Florence Bank has been named the top SBA lender in Western Massachusetts for the first and second quarter of the SBA’s fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Out of the 55 SBA loans that were approved in the Western Massachusetts region, Florence Bank facilitated 11 of them, with originations totaling over $2.8 million.

The SBA helps small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing them with counseling, capital, and contracting expertise. Programs such as the SBA 7(a) Guaranty and 504 Loan programs provide credit enhancements and loan guarantees, which helps businesses who may may not meet conventional underwriting standards obtain credit.

Florence Bank offers SBA loans with affordable rates that can be used to cover start-up expenses, expansion needs, real estate acquisitions, and other costs. Vice President and Small Business Lender Callie Flanagan has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and has spent the last 14 working with the SBA to help small businesses launch and grow in Western Massachusetts.

“We are lucky to live in an area that is robust with small, locally owned businesses. They make our communities more vibrant, provide employment, and keep money circulating locally,” said Flanagan. “We are happy to help these businesses grow and expand and are thankful to have access to the SBA programs to help do this.”

Some of the recent Florence Bank closings that have utilized the SBA include funding for a veterinarian to expand and open a second practice, as well as a local tattoo shop to purchase the building they currently occupy, allowing them to build equity instead of paying rent.

“We also partnered with the SBA to finance the purchase of a local business that has been a staple in Northampton for over 50 years. We were able to utilize SBA financing so a long-term employee could purchase the business,” Flanagan explained.