TUKWILA, Wash.-Boeing Employees CU has become the first credit union in the Seattle area to be approved for Small Business Administration loans for local business owners. "This is a great opportunity to help start-up businesses and those that may have trouble finding loans elsewhere." BECU Director of Small Business Services Arnie Gunderson said. "We want to serve the needs of our communities, and SBA loans are a beneficial addition to the program." The $4.6 billion BECU began offering its more than 350,000 members small business services, including deposit accounts, term loans, credit cards, insurance and more, March 1 of this year. "We plan to be a partner in the success of businesses in our marketplace, building relationships and providing value. By having SBA loans available we will increase the opportunities to assist our small business members," said BECU Vice President and Chief Lending Officer Joe Brancucci. BECU will offer 7(a), Express and 504 program loans. "We're pleased to be able to help provide this service to BECU members," acting-SBA District Director Lyn Hamilton said. "With a large and growing membership, BECU has the potential to help small business development throughout Western Washington."