Arvest Bank was the top U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the state of Arkansas in 2021, the eighth consecutive year it has earned that distinction. The ranking is based on 7(a) loan production for the SBA fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.

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Arvest led Arkansas in both total number (64) and total volume ($21.8 million) of SBA 7(a) loans.

“We value our longstanding relationship with the SBA and are pleased to be at the top of this list,” said David Melchert, SBA loan manager for Arvest. “More importantly, we are happy to have helped so many small businesses with their financing needs.

“We know how critical these businesses are to our communities and we remain committed to helping them succeed. Serving and supporting small business is a priority at Arvest.”

The SBA’s 7(a) loans are its primary means for helping startup and existing small businesses deal with a variety of general business purposes, and Arvest remains an SBA Preferred Lender, meaning the process is streamlined for applicants. Business owners who need to explore financing options should talk to an SBA Preferred Lender who can offer them a complete range of available options.