Webster Bank and its partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been honored with four 2015 SBA Eagle Awards.

The bank was honored as Lender of the Year by Dollar Volume, Top Third Party Lender of the Year, Top Lender to Veterans and Top Lender for Job Creation and Retention.

The awards were announced at the Connecticut District Office of the SBA’s annual Lenders & Partners meeting in New Haven, CT which drew more than 100 people.

“Top overall dollar volume, leading lender to veterans, and top lender for job creation and retention, is a testament to Webster’s continuing leadership and dedication to Connecticut’s business community,” said Robert Polito, senior vice president and director of government guaranteed lending.

Webster was part of a significant increase in SBA lending in Connecticut for the fiscal year ending September 30. SBA-backed loans rose 18% to $238 million, representing 695 loans. Lending to minority entrepreneurs increase by 36% over 2014 with 125 loans for more than $53 million, and loans to veterans and women entrepreneurs increased 24% and 22%, respectively.