The U.S. Small Business Administration backed seven Central Iowa loans for a combined $2.96 million in July. The loans were for projects expected to create 21 jobs and retain 54.

That was significantly less than the $4.1 million spanning 11 private loans SBA backed in July 2017. In that round, 54 jobs were to be created, and 48 retained.

In the latest round, only one loan topped $1 million. RJ Lawn Service of Waukee took out a $1.8 million loan and expected to create 10 jobs. Livewell Clinic LLC of Clive borrowed $414,000 and expected to create three jobs.

The Central Iowa data includes Polk, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper and Marshall counties. 

Statewide, the SBA backed 29 loans for $6.1 million for 24 new and five existing Iowa businesses that together created 61 new jobs and retained 90. 

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