For Business angle-down icon For Life angle-down icon Success Stories SUCCESS STORY: SBA LOAN Where other banks see obstacles, we see opportunities. When Ruth Agbaji, CEO of Code Wiz, was ready to grow her business, she turned to Northern Bank to help her expand her franchise. FRANCHISING CHALLENGE Ruth Agbaji started Code Wiz in 2017 and was ready to grow her franchise in 2018 but had run out of credit operating her business. She needed funding to help her achieve her ambitious plan for a national franchise. When I called the bank I had my previous loan with to inquire about a new loan to expand, the banker actually yelled at me on the phone and said, ‘what are you doing, are you crazy?’ Clearly, this was someone who didn’t understand how to work with entrepreneurs who think big. NORTHERN BANK DIFFERENCE Enter the Business Development Manager at Northern Bank’s Acton branch. “When I first met with Ruth, after learning about Code Wiz through a business connection, I could tell how passionate she was. She had just won the Next Gen franchise competition (2018) and it was clear she was an incredibly hard worker and was not going to be deterred from her plans. That’s exactly the type of business client we want to partner with at Northern Bank.” “After meeting with the Business Development Manager, I expected Northern Bank to come back and tell me there were problems with my loan application,” Ruth continued. “I didn’t believe it would go through, but the SBA loan was approved with as little stress as possible. It was my first loan with them and it was a big one. It was almost like they were funding me based on their belief in me.” A GROWING PARTNERSHIP Ruth now has plans in the works to expand Code Wiz to 500 franchises nationally in the coming years. Northern Bank is excited to be partnering with Ruth to help her vision become a reality. “In addition to getting her approved for an SBA loan through our Business Lending Team, we set Ruth up with a line of credit, coached her on the documentation process and she now has the key partners to grow this franchise,” Northern Bank explained. “I wanted to be able to find a banking partner that I could refer my franchisees to,” Ruth continued. “Northern Bank is the kind of financial business partner that is always in your corner. There are no ‘gotchas.’ They give me the support I need to be successful." This year, Code Wiz was awarded the SBA Women-Owned Business of the Year. "Northern Bank had the same faith in me, I had in myself and they were willing to fund my dream.” About Ruth Agbaji Ruth grew up in Nigeria, taught herself computer programming, graduated from Tufts University with a Master’s in Computer Science and landed a job at Microsoft before starting her business, Code Wiz, which she has successfully franchised and plans to expand nationally. FEATURED STORIES A complicated process made easy. STORY BY MARK CAFUA CMC Franchise Longtime Dunkin’ franchise owner, Mark Cafua, was ready to consolidate his franchise locations to specific geographic areas. Having been a client of Northern Bank’s since 2007, he looked to Northern once again... READ MORE Big bank services with small bank attention. STORY BY BRUCE PATZ AND ROB BASSO HCM Middle Market When Bruce Patz and Rob Basso of Associated Human Capital Management (Associated HCM) were looking for a bank that offered the cash management services they needed to meet their growing business needs... READ MORE Where other banks see obstacles, we see opportunities. STORY BY RUTH AGBAJI CODE WIZ Small Business When Ruth Agbaji, CEO of Code Wiz, was ready to grow her business, she turned to Northern Bank to help her expand her franchise. READ MORE VIEW ALL SUCCESS STORIES Ready to take the next step? We're here to help! Contact us now to learn more about how Northern Bank can help you realize your goals and dreams. CONTACT US HELP BANKING ABOUT USEFUL LINKS Legal Disclosures Privacy Policy NMLS ID: 472275 Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC © 2021 Northern Bank & Trust Company.