Core Insights - M&T Bank has achieved the rank of the largest SBA 7(a) lender by volume in its operational regions for Fiscal Year 2025, marking its 17th consecutive year among the top 10 SBA lenders nationally [1][2]. Lending Performance - In Fiscal Year 2025, M&T Bank approved 2,701 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $294 million, reflecting a 47.4% increase in loan units and a 41.5% increase in dollar volume compared to the previous year, with an average loan size of $108,000 [3]. - The bank also ranked among the top 10 Third Party Lenders for the SBA's 504 lending program, approving 73 loans amounting to $43.8 million [3]. Regional Leadership - M&T Bank led SBA lending in several key regions, including: - Baltimore: 427 loans for $50.7 million - Buffalo: 285 loans for $39.4 million - Connecticut: 239 loans for $24.2 million - Delaware: 113 loans for $8.7 million - Philadelphia: 306 loans for $31.4 million - Washington, D.C.: 246 loans for $36.7 million [7]. Community Commitment - M&T Bank emphasizes its commitment to supporting small businesses, which is reflected in its strong SBA performance and client relationships [5][4]. - The bank's support has been crucial for local businesses, as illustrated by the success stories of clients like Draghi Burgos Construction and Interstate Batteries of DC Metro, who credit M&T's expertise and guidance for their growth [6][9].

Core Insights - The Brewing the American Dream program has awarded Moor's Brewing Co. as the 2025 winner of its Brewing & Business Experienceship, continuing its legacy of supporting small businesses in the food and beverage industry [1][4][8] Company Overview - Moor's Brewing Company, founded in Chicago in 2021 by Damon Patton, Jamhal Johnson, and Anthony Bell, has expanded to over 500 retailers nationwide and opened Diversey House, Chicago's first Black-owned taproom, in February 2025 [3][8] - The brewery's mission includes community engagement and offering a unique blend of craft beer and elevated pub fare [3][5] Program Details - The Brewing & Business Experienceship provides one emerging craft brewer with mentorship from Samuel Adams professionals, including founder Jim Koch, and opportunities to collaborate on specialty beers and participate in the Great American Beer Festival [2][4][6] - The selection process for the winner involved a public voting component during the Crafting Dreams Beer Bash, which showcased six finalists [4][5] Impact and Goals - Since its inception in 2008, the Brewing the American Dream program has loaned over $114 million to more than 4,500 small business owners in the food and beverage industry, creating or maintaining over 12,000 local jobs [8] - The program aims to strengthen small businesses, create local jobs, and build vibrant communities through access to business capital and coaching [8]

Core Points - Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe has won the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, receiving a $100,000 grant to establish a physical location in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park [1][2] - The bakery specializes in seasonal, small-batch viennoiseries and focuses on using Michigan seasonal produce and flavors from the Midwest and South [3] - The founder, Lauren Ellis, has over a decade of experience as a pastry chef and plans to open the bakery in District 5, inspired by her grandmother [4] Business Support and Community Impact - The three runner-up finalists each received a $10,000 grant to assist with their storefront openings, funded by TechTown's Small Business Support Hub [5] - TechTown Detroit, which organized the contest, aims to support local entrepreneurs and enhance the small business ecosystem in Detroit [6][11] - Comerica Bank has invested approximately $1.3 million into the Hatch Detroit program since its inception in 2012, supporting small business development [8] Contest Details - The contest involved public voting, with over 21,000 votes cast to determine the finalists, which included Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe and three others [6][7] - The final event took place at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center, where finalists pitched their business ideas to judges and the community [7] - Hatch Detroit has supported 50 alumni businesses, which have collectively created over 500 jobs and invested more than $10 million in economic development [12]