The U.S. Small Business Administration in September backed $4.6 million in private loans to Central Iowa businesses that plan to create a combined 98 jobs and to retain 141.

The 18 loans backed by the SBA made up the second-largest batch this calendar year, next to July’s 21. The $4.6 million was far below the high of $16.4 million, also in July. Central Iowa is defined as the counties of Polk, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper and Marshall. 

The only loan of $1 million or more was the $1 million borrowed by Great Dane Leasing LLC, a Grimes construction firm that planned to retain 50 jobs. Hasstedt Holdings LLC of Ames borrowed $863,800 for its optical goods operation and planned to add seven jobs and to retain six. 

Statewide, the SBA backed 43 private loans for $16.7 million for projects expected to create 214 jobs and retain 328. 

See the complete listing of Central Iowa SBA loans. (Insider)