The U.S. Small Business Administration backed $2.7 million in private loans to Central Iowa businesses in April, the second-highest total this year. 

The 13 businesses whose loans were guaranteed plan to create nine jobs and retain 38 more. Central Iowa is defined as Polk, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper and Marshall counties. 

The highest monthly total for the SBA loan support in Central Iowa this year was $2.96 million in January when eight loans were backed. 

Among the larger loans in April was $1.2 million for sign manufacturer Visual Concepts Inc. of Clive, which plans to create one job and retain 12. Freight company AA&E Hauling LLC of Urbandale took out a $350,000 loan, but didn’t list additional jobs. The company employs 14.

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