The U.S. Small Business Administration announced FY19 lending numbers showing it guaranteed over $28 billion to entrepreneurs that otherwise would not have access to capital to start, grow or expand their small businesses.

SBA's flagship 7(a) loan program made approximately 52,000 7(a) loans totaling $23.17 billion. The 504 loan program had another year of increased performance, with more than 6,000 loans made for a total dollar amount of more than $4.9 billion.

"A strong economy is powering America's 30 million small businesses, and the SBA's FY19 numbers bear that out," SBA Acting Administrator Chris Pilkerton said. "When the economy is doing well, 7(a) lenders are more willing to provide capital without the need for a federal loan guarantee. Our 504 and Microloan programs continued to grow from last year, as all of these loans are designed to create jobs and grow all small businesses in communities across the country."

In FY19, there was significant growth of dollars lent in the SBA's Microloan program, with more than 5,500 loans approved for nearly $81.5 million.

"With a strong economy and historically solid small business optimism, we know that 7(a) lenders are making loans conventionally without the SBA guarantee. We also saw a 4.3 percent growth in the 504 loan program due to the longer term and low fixed interest rate that the product provides to small businesses," said William Manger, Associate Administrator for SBA's Office of Capital Access. "We are also proud that our Microloan program had another record year with a nearly 7.5 percent increase in small business lending."