Celebrating small business dreams: Byline Bank’s Small Business Week spotlight

Following your passion and finding the right partner can lead to success. Just ask Jorge Gonzalez.

Jus Studios founder and a Chicago native, Gonzalez has a passion for creativity and a dedication to his craft that has propelled him into the big leagues. Through his vision, drive, and the support of Byline Bank, his apparel decoration company has blossomed from a one-man basement operation into a thriving business, currently operating out of a 5,000-square-foot East Pilsen location.

While Gonzalez was trying to expand his business, he was having trouble finding a financing partner that understood his business and believed in his vision for the future. After months of hearing “no” from bank after bank, he finally was connected with Byline, and his dream to grow his business became a reality. He learned the Byline lending team puts an intentional focus on looking beyond the numbers, to building relationships that get to know the borrowers and businesses personally.

“They appreciated my Chicago-based business story, visited my location, witnessed my operations, and extended that crucial line of credit that propelled my business to where it is today,” said Gonzalez. “Finally, someone with financial backing believed in me.”

The right financing at the right time is critical for small businesses. Whether that takes the form of conventional financing or an SBA-backed loan, access to capital makes it possible for owners to start a new business, expand an existing one, purchase necessary real estate or equipment, or finance working capital needs. Just as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to business, Byline evaluates applicants based on various factors — including credit history, business plan, cash flow projections, collateral and the purpose of the loan — to create a financing solution suited to each customer’s unique circumstance.

At Byline, our commitment to empowering small businesses extends beyond financial transactions. As the No. 1 SBA lender in Illinois and a top five SBA lender nationwide, as ranked by the U.S. Small Business Administration by volume FY2023, Byline Bank is deeply committed to the success of small businesses — both in Illinois and across the country. The bank’s dedicated team of experts offers personalized financing solutions as well as crucial business coaching and support before, during and long after the loan has closed. This dedication and people-first approach has enabled the success of businesses, creating a ripple effect of positive impact within communities across the country.

In celebration of Small Business Week, April 28 to May 4, we are proud to spotlight a diverse range of independent U.S. entrepreneurs who have been able to grow and thrive with the support of Byline’s tailored financing. During National Small Business Week, we’ll highlight stories of businesses such as Jus Studios that were empowered by Byline’s support, including:

• Charles Nkuku, owner of Lehman Midtown True Value Hardware in Chicago: Nkuku climbed the ranks from a hardware store clerk to owner shortly after he graduated from college. A longtime business banking customer of Byline Bank, he recently was able to secure a line of credit that enabled him to acquire essential inventory and respond adeptly to market fluctuations and seasonal demands.

• Krista and Trevor Davis, owners of Redbird Barricades in San Antonio, Texas: Byline Bank facilitated the couple’s acquisition of a traffic control company Trevor had managed for many years, demonstrating how strategic financial partnerships can turn big dreams into reality.

• Andrew Peontke, owner of Estes Laser & Manufacturing in Schaumburg: Peontke transformed his background in metal fabrication into the thriving success story of Estes Laser & Manufacturing through the help of Byline Bank’s financing and ongoing consultation.

• Nick Plummer, franchise owner of Casa de Corazón in Shorewood, Wisconsin: Byline Bank embraced Plummer’s vision to establish a Spanish-immersion child care center that aligned with his values and provided an SBA loan that enabled him to become a franchise owner.

Small businesses build resilient communities. Byline Bank is committed to small businesses, nurturing dreams into realities and fostering their long-term growth. As we kick off Small Business Week 2024, we are delighted to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and the invaluable role supportive financial partnerships can play in realizing small business dreams.

To read more about the businesses Byline is highlighting during National Small Business Week, visit bylinebank.com/wearesmallbusiness. Byline Bank is a member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

• Stephen Ball is senior vice president and head of business banking at Byline Bank.