Buffalo, New York, October 14 /PRNewswire/ — M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) announced that, for fiscal year 2026, it ranked #1 in the number of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans originated within its community markets, achieving the highest number and dollar volume of SBA 7(a) loans in the bank’s history. M&T also rose to #5 among all SBA 7(a) lenders nationwide, up from #7 the previous year, marking the bank’s 18th consecutive year among the nation’s top SBA lenders.
M&T stated that, for the federal fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, the bank approved a total of 2,975 SBA 7(a) loans amounting to $326.44 million*. This represents an increase of 274 loans and $32.5 million compared to fiscal year 2025, reflecting approximately a 10% growth in both the number of loans and the total amount.
This line indicates that this record occurred amid a challenging national credit environment, with overall industry SBA 7(a) loan volume down 26% year-over-year and loan amounts down 12%.
“M&T has long been committed to small businesses—not just by providing funding, but by being a trusted partner at every stage of an entrepreneur’s journey,” said Eric Feldstein, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Retail and Commercial Banking at M&T Bank. “Our leadership in SBA lending is built on understanding our customers’ goals and helping them find the right path, whether they’re launching a new business, investing in a permanent location, or seeking their next growth opportunity. We’re proud to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas and aspirations into businesses that strengthen our communities.”
M&T is tied for 8th among all U.S. SBA 504 third-party lenders, having provided 55 loans totaling $50.88 million. The SBA 7(a) program helps small businesses finance a wide range of needs, while the 504 program focuses on long-term investments such as purchasing commercial real estate, constructing facilities, and acquiring major equipment. M&T says both programs enable it to support businesses at every stage of growth.
M&T leads in SBA loans within its service area.
M&T stated that its SBA business performance reflects the strength and stability of the bank’s small business lending programs within its service areas. In fiscal year 2026, the bank ranked #1 in 10 SBA regions and among the top three in all 15 reporting regions.
This line performed especially strongly in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and New England regions, ranking #1 in Baltimore, Buffalo/Rochester, Connecticut, Delaware, Greater New York City, Philadelphia, Richmond, Syracuse, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.
In New England, M&T ranks among the top three SBA lenders, holding the number one position in Connecticut and Vermont. The bank has significantly expanded its SBA 7(a) lending in New England, increasing from 107 approved loans in fiscal year 2022 to 588 in fiscal year 2026.
M&T's results for fiscal year 2026 by jurisdiction include:
Provide support at every stage of business growth
M&T says its support for small businesses goes beyond lending. Bank employees work closely with entrepreneurs to understand their businesses, connect them with resources, and identify financing solutions that support their goals—whether launching a new business, expanding an established enterprise, or investing in long-term growth strategies.
“Each SBA loan represents a business owner pursuing a vision, creating opportunities, and strengthening the local economy,” Feldstein added. “These results reflect the daily collaboration of commercial banking, retail, credit, operations, risk, and many other teams serving our customers.”
Help a mid-Atlantic business secure its future
For Mid Atlantic Port Service, a Baltimore-based company serving the maritime and port industries, rising rental costs presented an opportunity to invest in a permanent facility. Instead of continuing to lease multiple locations, the company partnered with M&T to secure $5.7 million in SBA 504 financing to purchase a facility and consolidate operations under one roof. This financing enabled the company to preserve the cash flow needed for daily operations and growth while investing in its long-term future.
“As rental costs continue to rise, we knew owning our own facility was the right move for our long-term growth, but we needed a financing partner who could help us achieve this without tying up the working capital we need for operations and expansion,” said Marc Cruise, owner of Mid Atlantic Port Service. “M&T took the time to understand our immediate needs and long-term goals, and helped structure an SBA 504 loan that allowed us to consolidate our operations and invest in the future.”
For more information about M&T Bank small business loans, visit mtb.com/business/business-financing/small-business-loans.
According to data released by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the total number of loans approved under the SBA 7(a) loan program through the federal fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
About M&T
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Its primary banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates branches and an ATM network across the eastern United States, from Maine to Virginia and in Washington, D.C., offering banking products and services. Trust-related services are provided by companies affiliated with M&T and Wilmington Trust, as well as by M&T Bank in select markets in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.mtb.com.
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