BMO Harris Bank hire expands SBA loan efforts

Chicago’s BMO Harris Bank said it has hired Ejaz Syed to lead the bank’s SBA loan program efforts in the Greater Chicago area.

Ejaz will be based in Naperville and will focus on building the bank’s SBA loan portfolio by working with the small business banking and business banking groups to market and facilitate the SBA loan programs.

“BMO Harris Bank is committed to helping business owners secure the working capital needed to grow and succeed,” said Margie Lawless, senior vice president of small business banking. “The addition of Ejaz Syed brings a combination of vast, practical hands-on experience in commercial and Small Business Administration lending, business development, financial and credit analysis which allows BMO Harris Bank to further provide innovative financing solutions for our customers.”

BMO Harris Regional Presiden Julie Curran said Syed’s hiring is part of the bank’s focus to expand and increase its SBA loan activity,

“BMO Harris Bank also participates in a variety of SBA programs, including the SBA’s reengineered CAPLines program designed to help small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working capital needs. Too often businesses find it difficult to secure the necessary financing to finance contracts,” she said.

Ejaz began his SBA lending career eight years ago as a regional account manager with the SBA Division of CIT Group Inc.

His SBA background includes both 7(a) and 504 loan experience. His roles have encompassed business development, resolving SBA eligibility issues and SBA Underwriting. Ejaz has an additional background of 14 years in commercial banking, including international trade, plus five years of financial accounting experience.