Norstar takes first place again as prime SBA lender. (Norstar Bank N.A.; Small Business Administration)

Norstar Bank N.A. helped 50 small businesses in 1991 to the tune of $12.1 million in federally guaranteed loans, making it the local leader among U.S. Small Business Administration lenders for the fourth consecutive year.

Overall, the federal agency backed 256 loans worth $46.3 million to small companies in Western New York in fiscal 1991 ended Sept. 30, according to the Buffalo district office.

"It's a good deal for the borrowers and a good deal for the banks," said Robert Novak, SBA deputy district director. "This is a good program and has always been actively utilized in Western New York, and probably will continue to be."

Indeed, the program's …