The U.S. Small Business Administration in January backed $2,179,500 in Central Iowa loans. 

Those eight loans are expected to create 78 new jobs and retain 35. Two of the top loans went to: 

• 2100 NE 60th Ave. LLC, a new business in Des Moines, for $837,000.
• 1300 E Buchanan LLC, an existing business in Winterset, for $741,000.

The SBA backed 28 loans for $11,282,900 for the entire state from participating lenders using its two largest lending programs. Those loans are expected to create 137 new jobs and retain 284 jobs.

Central Iowa is defined as Polk, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper and Marshall counties.

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