The U.S. Small Business Administration backed $2.4 million in private loans for Central Iowa businesses in February, down from $2.96 million the month before.

The businesses that took out loans backed in February promised to create 41 jobs and retain 110. 

Among the biggest loans in this batch was $1.2 million for AKA Holdings LLC, an “amusement and recreation” company in Des Moines. That was the only loan over $1 million in this round. JAVI LLC, a Waukee restaurant operation, took out a loan for $279,000, expecting to create 15 jobs. A Johnston beauty salon run by Heemstra Partnership Inc. borrowed $225,000 but didn’t plan to add jobs. 

For this purpose, Central Iowa includes Polk, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper and Marshall counties.

Statewide, the SBA backed 29 loans for $12.9 million for 21 new and eight existing businesses that together planned to add 70 jobs and retain 290. 

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