The U.S. Small Business Administration backed nine private loans for a combined $5.7 million at Central Iowa businesses last month. 

The projects are expected to create 56 jobs. Central Iowa consists of Polk, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper and Marshall counties. 

Among the largest loans was $2.98 million for McIlhon Properties LLC in Urbandale, a farm and garden machinery wholesaler expected to create five jobs. D&D Fitness LLC of Ankeny borrowed $1.1 million and expected to create 10 jobs. A&M Holdings LLC of Adel borrowed $793,000 for a warehouse or mini-storage operation but didn’t report job increases. 

Statewide, the SBA guaranteed 34 loans for a combined $14.5 million to 20 new and 14 existing businesses expected to create 262 jobs and retain 143.

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