Eastern Bank, which made 156 Small Business Administration (SBA) loans statewide totaling $7.3 million, was ranked the number one lender in the state, the bank announced today.

The rankings are issued annually in October, based on the number of loans originated by banks in the SBA fiscal year, which runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.

"Eastern Bank is focused on helping businesses and consumers succeed – that’s our role in the market and it should be the role of every bank," said Richard E. Holbrook, chairman and CEO of Eastern Bank. "Our focus is especially true when it comes to helping small businesses, which are vital to the local economy."

Small business accounts for 99.7 percent of all employers in the U.S. and employs roughly half of the nation’s private sector workforce. Small firms pay 44 percent of the total U.S. private payroll, have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years, and hire 40 percent of high tech workers, according to the SBA.

Throughout this decade, Eastern Bank has expanded its services for businesses of all sizes, particularly small businesses. Since 2006, for example, Eastern Bank has more than doubled its number of business bankers who serve the small business market.

Over the past several years, Eastern Bank has ranked among the top five lenders – usually the top three lenders – to businesses with less than $1 million in annual sales in the Boston Metropolitan Statistical Area, according to reports compiled by the Massachusetts Community and Banking Council. The rankings include both SBA and non-SBA loans.

"The honor of being recognized the top SBA lender in Massachusetts really underscores our commitment to serving businesses," Holbrook said. "Our team of banking, investment and insurance professionals truly works hardest to meet the diverse needs of businesses. We believe that’s what sets us apart from the competition."