Matt Collins of Granite State EDC Named Financial Services Champion

MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT

Release Date: May 3, 2024
Contact: norman.eng@sba.gov, 617-565-8510
Release Number: 24-16
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BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Matt Collins, Vice President, Granite State Economic Development Corporation, the 2024 Financial Services Champion of the Year for Massachusetts and New England.

Collins has been involved in SBA lending for 40 years, beginning his career in 1983 as a community lending officer for First National Bank of Boston. During his career working in 7(a) lending with some of the largest non-bank lenders in the country including AT&T Capital and The Money Store.

“Matt Collins is a top producer in SBA 504 lending and it’s a testament to his character and leadership as an economic development expert in our region through the years,” said District Director Robert Nelson. “Congratulations to Matt and Granite State for all of the success!”

Since beginning with Granite State in 2007, Collins has assisted businesses in acquiring owner occupied real estate and long-term fixed assets utilizing the SBA 504 program.

Matt has been responsible for funding 519 projects, totaling over $300 million in SBA 504 loans. On average, Collins has funded 45 loans per year with 33 different lending partners. Utilizing an average job creation goal of $75,000, Collins is responsible for the creation/retention of 4,000 jobs since 2007.

“I am truly humbled by this award. In my 40 years of serving the small business community, I get energized daily by the passion of the small businesses I work with. They truly love what they do,”

said Matt Collins. "My dad told me when I first started working at age 14- Matt if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I can honestly say – he was right!!!"

Collins will be honored at the annual National Small Business Week Massachusetts Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at the Doubletree Andover.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.