Callahan & Associates recently released its list of the Top Small Business Lenders with Mountain America Credit Union — which has offices in Apache Junction, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek — as the No. 1 small-business credit union lender nationally. Mountain America has received this award 19 years in a row.

The local sites are at 220 E. Old West Highway in Apache Junction, 4325 E. Southern Ave. in Mesa, 3565 S. Gilbert Road in Gilbert, 22024 S. Ellsworth Loop Road in Queen Creek and 3471 W. Frye Road in Chandler.

Mountain America carried more than 500 small business loans for more than $353 million reported at the end of the fourth quarter, according to a release.

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses in the U.S. account for more than 99.9% of all businesses. These small businesses provide jobs to 61.7 million people, representing 46.6% of the U.S. employees.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition and thrilled that this acknowledgment demonstrates the impact we’re having on our small business community and their contributions to strengthening our local economy,” Michael Griffiths, vice president of business lending at Mountain America, said in the release. “Our mission is to help our members define and achieve their financial dreams and we take great pride in supporting small businesses and guiding them forward as they grow.”

In addition to being the nation’s top credit union SBA lender, Mountain America offers a variety of financial resources and options to small-business owners. These services include guidance and resources to improve business productivity and streamline finances.

To apply for a small-business loan or to talk to a loan specialist, go to macu.com/business/loans.

Mountain America Credit Union has more than one million members and $15.9 billion in assets. It has 100 branches across six states and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs.