CRA data for the year ended December 31, 2014 shows that small business lending in Massachusetts increased at a moderate pace from 2013 to 2014, the fourth consecutive year of moderate growth although lending levels remain well below the levels achieved prior to the recent financial crisis.

When compared to other states, the national CRA data shows that Massachusetts experienced larger overall percentage increases in the number and dollar amount of loans than most states in 2014, but Massachusetts experienced smaller percentage increases in the number and dollar amount of loans in low and moderate income areas than many states in 2014.

These are among the most dramatic findings presented in the Massachusetts Community and Banking Council’s seventeenth annual report on small business lending patterns. The report, Small Business Lending in Massachusetts, 2007-2013, reviews recent small business lending trends across the state with an emphasis on traditionally underserved areas. The report also reviews changes in economic conditions and other factors that affect small business lending. The report was prepared for MCBC by Stuart Ryan of BankMaps LLC.