UniBank Receives Recognition for Small Loans

The Massachusetts Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that Whitinsville-based UniBank, has been named #1 Small Loan Advantage (SLA) Lender in Massachusetts.

The SBA’s Small Loan Advantage Program aims to increase the number of lower-dollar loans made in underserved communities by allowing lenders, such as UniBank, to get pre-qualification indications for applicant businesses.

UniBank earns this distinction for having approved 10 loans totaling $1.2 million.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,” stated James F. Paulhus, president and CEO of UniBank. “We are pleased to earn this distinction from the SBA. It is certainly a testament to our commitment to helping businesses in Central Massachusetts thrive.”

“This amount of lending has made a significant economic impact in the communities served by UniBank,” said Robert Nelson, Massachusetts SBA District Director. He added, “UniBank is a highly valued lending partner of the SBA and we are honored to recognize their contributions on behalf of small businesses in Central Massachusetts.”

In 2011, UniBank was awarded Preferred Lender status by the SBA and is the top SBA lender among Central Massachusetts based community banks.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent agency of the federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small businesses, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

UniBank, with assets of $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2013, is a full-service, mutually owned community bank with branches in the Blackstone Valley, Milford, and Worcester.  Its newest full-service, state-of-the-art branch opened in North Grafton in May of 2013. UniBank has been one of Massachusetts’ fastest growing banks for the last five years and is dedicated to contributing to the overall quality of life and economic health of the communities it serves, while maintaining a high level of financial soundness and integrity. UniBank is a member of the FDIC and DIF.  The company website is www.unibank.com.