A new report by the Massachusetts Community Banking Council provides insight into the small business loans originated in Gateway Cities from 2007 to 2011. The MCBC defines small business loans as $1 million or less.

These data also show that the share of these loans originated in Gateway Cities is smaller than the share of the state’s population located in these communities (Pittsfield is the one exception). This is clearly a disappointing finding. We think of these communities as regional economic centers and fertile places for businesses to start and grow. MCBC’s figures show there is much more work to do to make Gateway Cities stronger economic engines for the Commonwealth.