The U.S. Small Business Administration backed 16 private loans to Central Iowa businesses in October, the second-highest total this year next to May’s 17.

The businesses that took out loans approved by the SBA in October planned to create 71 jobs and keep 110.

Central Iowa includes Polk, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper and Marshall counties for the purposes of the loans.

The $6.8 million in combined loans backed in October was the highest this year. The next-highest was $5.5 million in August.

Statewide, the SBA backed 50 loans for $21.3 million. The loans involved 40 new and 10 existing businesses that report creating 162 new jobs and retaining 277 jobs.

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