M&T Bank Achieves Record Growth in Small Business Lending
M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB) ranked No. 1 in SBA 7(a) lending by number of loans across its footprint and achieved record small business loan growth during Fiscal Year 2026, despite a challenging national lending environment. The bank approved nearly 3,000 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $326.4 million — an increase of over 10% in both units and dollars compared to the previous year. M&T also rose from No. 7 to No. 5 nationally among all SBA 7(a) lenders for the second consecutive year, continuing its streak as one of the top lenders since 2009. The bank's success was driven by strong performance in key regions such as the Mid-Atlantic and New England, where it secured first-place rankings across multiple districts. M&T also ranked No. 8 (tied) nationally for SBA 504 Third-Party Lending, providing $50.9 million through long-term investment-focused loans. The bank attributes its leadership to a deep understanding of small business needs and a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage. Industrywide SBA lending declined in both volume (26%) and dollar amount (12%), underscoring the significance of M&T's growth amid broader challenges.
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