Sometimes a glow-up is so dramatic you have to do a double-take.
United Federal Credit Union just pulled off one of those moments in the small business lending world—and the U.S. Small Business Administration noticed in a big way.
United snagged two major honors from the SBA Michigan District Office: Credit Union Lender of the Year for 2025 and a spot in the Top 10 SBA Lenders in Michigan. Not bad for a year’s work.
The Numbers Tell a Wild Story
Here’s where things get interesting. United grew its SBA lending from $304,000 in 2024 to a whopping $69 million in 2025. That’s not a typo—we’re talking about a jump that catapulted them into the ranks of the fastest-growing SBA 7(a) lenders nationwide.
To put that growth in perspective: they went from dipping their toes in the water to doing cannonballs off the high dive.
The credit union spread its lending across multiple industries, with particularly strong activity in accommodations—think hotel financing—while building out a diverse portfolio of business types. Smart move, since putting all your eggs in one basket is advice literally no one gives anymore.
Recognition Among Heavy Hitters
United received their awards at the SBA Michigan District Office’s annual Michigan Lender Awards Ceremony on June 9, 2026. The event celebrates the lending partners who are actually moving the needle for small businesses and local economies across the state.
And those local economies needed the help. In 2025, SBA lending partners across Michigan delivered more than $1.3 billion in financing through nearly 2,900 loans—clear evidence that small businesses are hungry for capital to fuel their growth.
Breaking Down the Lending Activity
United didn’t just throw money around randomly. In 2025, they originated 53 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $69 million nationwide, with Michigan businesses leading the charge at 22 loans worth $17 million.
But they didn’t stop at state lines. North Carolina saw $12.5 million in lending, Nevada received three loans totaling $1.3 million, and Ohio got one loan for $774,000. The credit union’s average loan size clocked in at approximately $1.3 million—substantial enough to make a real difference for both startups finding their footing and established businesses ready to scale.
What the Team Has to Say
“Being recognized as Credit Union Lender of the Year and named among the Top 10 SBA lenders in Michigan is a tremendous achievement for our team,” said Jeffrey Magginnis, Director of SBA at United. “It reflects our commitment to helping small businesses thrive by providing the resources, guidance, and financing they need to grow and succeed.”
Magginnis didn’t stop there. “We believe small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Through our SBA program, we are proud to partner with entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, helping them turn their vision into reality while contributing to long-term economic development across Michigan and beyond.”
Looking Ahead
United isn’t treating this as a victory lap moment. They’re continuing to expand their SBA lending capabilities and working directly with business owners to create customized financial solutions. The goal? Supporting job creation, fostering innovation, and building sustainable growth that actually lasts.
For small business owners looking for financing that comes with actual partnership and expertise, United’s track record speaks for itself. Going from $304K to $69M doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when you figure out how to genuinely help businesses succeed.
Want to learn more about United’s business banking and SBA services? Check out their offerings directly. And if you’re the data-diving type who loves a good spreadsheet, you can find reports on SBA lending activity at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s lender reports page.