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.

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.”