Several banks were named top lenders by the SBA on Monday, which kicked off events to mark National Small Business Week.

The large 7(a) Loan Lender of the Year award went to Key Bank of Cleveland.

The Small 7(a) Lender of the Year award produced a tie between Open Bank of Los Angeles, and Premier Commercial Bank of Anaheim, Calif.

The SBA recognized two certified development companies for their efforts in helping finance small business expansion through the agency's 504 loan program. HEDCO of Honolulu was honored as the Large Certified Development Company of the Year, and the Small Certified Development Company of the Year Award went to the Monroe County Industrial Development Corp. of Rochester, N.Y.

The award for Community/Rural Lender of the Year went to First American Bank of Artesia, N.M.

The SBA tapped Petra Capital Partners LLC of Nashville, Tenn., and Cephas Capital of Pittsford, N.Y. as the top Small Business Investment Companies.

SBA's Export Lender of the Year Award went to SunTrust Banks Inc. of Atlanta.

Meanwhile, for his advocacy and work to increase small business lending, David Adams, president/CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates, was recently named a 2012 National Financial Services Champion by the SBA.

Nationwide, credit unions have also been recognized by the agency for their lending efforts.