The U.S. Small Business Administration backed $5.5 million in private loans for Central Iowa businesses in August, the highest monthly amount this year. The nine loans were the third-highest monthly number for ‘18, and the 44 jobs added were the second-highest. 

Among the largest loans was $2.4 million for Equipment and Engineering Corp. of Grimes, a new site preparation contractor that plans to add 17 jobs. 

Affluence Holdings Inc. of Des Moines, an auto repair operation, borrowed $865,000 and will add six jobs. NPAAV LLC of Des Moines, which is in child care services, borrowed $586,000 for a project that will create five jobs.

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

Statewide, SBA backed 35 loans for $19 million in Iowa during August. The businesses expected to create 125 new jobs and retain 189.

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