A bank specializing in small business funding cut the ribbon on a new location Tuesday.

Lendio offers financing and business advice for small businesses across the country. Nationwide, Lendio has provided more than a billion dollars in loans to small business owners.

The new local branch opened today at the Renaissance Building in Downtown Erie, and serves all of Northwest Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio and New York.

Lendio fills the gap often felt by small businesses looking for financing to start or grow their businesses.

"You have someone here to work with and I can help counsel you on what the best options are or where to look," John Fee, Lendio Erie Franchise Owner said. "We're really kind of a matchmaker for local businesses to find that smart financing."

Fee says he hopes Lendio can be a key to the further growth of business in our region.