ESL Federal Credit Union Earns #1 Ranking as U.S. Small Business Administration Lender in Greater Rochester Region
Rochester, NY — ESL Federal Credit Union is the #1 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the Greater Rochester community by total number of loans. With 91 loans in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, ESL provided more than $10.5 million in lending to small businesses across the region. ESL also provided 14 loans for $3.7 million to the Buffalo region through its western branches, bringing total SBA lending for ESL to 105 loans and $14.2 million for the fiscal year. This more than doubles its SBA lending production in 2023.
“We’re pleased to once again be named Rochester’s number one SBA lender,” said Keith Cleary, senior vice president and director of business banking, ESL Federal Credit Union. “We have a strong and innovative business community in the Greater Rochester region that continues to grow and evolve. We’re proud of the valuable partnerships we have built with our business banking members and look forward to continuing to work together to help our business community thrive and prosper.”
The average loan amount through ESL in this latest fiscal year was approximately $135,000, or approximately 60% less than all SBA average loan size in the region. This lesser average loan value further demonstrates the ESL commitment to assist businesses of all sizes.
“Many of our Business Banking relationships begin at one of our branches or through the contact center, and flourish from there,” said Mike Prince, vice president/director, branch and contact center, ESL Federal Credit Union. “We meet businesses wherever they are in their business journey, from starting their business to opening their first business account. Our teams have the expertise and knowledge to support the growth and development of businesses at any size and at every level. It’s a partnership that has seen extraordinary results for both business members and our community at large.”
ESL also has strong community partnerships with local organizations such as SCORE and Pathstone Enterprise Center that help provide financial support for businesses. To learn more about ESL Business Banking resources, please visit esl.org/business.
