Ronald Grzywinski, ShoreBank Corporation

A neighborhood bank for low-income people. It sounds like a great idea, but in 1973, this effort seemed radical and likely to fail.

Ron Grzywinski and his colleagues wanted to provide African Americans, low-income residents, and inner city businesses with access to financial resources unavailable elsewhere. Over the last 30 years, ShoreBank’s efforts have transformed Chicago’s disinvested South and West Side neighborhoods and communities around the world.

“There is greater understanding and appreciation than ever for what banks and other private institutions can accomplish by increasing the availability of capital, credit and financial services to low-income individuals and nonprofits in underserved communities,” explains Ron, chairman and CEO of ShoreBank Corporation. “By providing these groups with access to resources, more private institutions are transforming urban and rural areas into new whole, healthy communities of choice—places where people are, once again, wanting to live and work.”

Take Samuel Zapeda, Jr., the founder and president of Vistas Construction of Illinois. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, and raised in the Roseland community of Chicago, Samuel started his general contracting business in 2000 with only $6,000 in start-up capital and one employee. Today, thanks to a complete financing package from ShoreBank, Samuel is able to hire 150 employees and serves public and private clients, specializing in reinforced concrete structures, building construction services, excavation, and grounds maintenance. The company is now valued at over $4 million. In 2005, the Small Business Administration named Samuel the Illinois Small Business Champion of the Year.

“Now is an exciting time because more people are recognizing that the impossible dream of thirty-three years ago is indeed possible,” says Ron. “Financial institutions and other private firms can operate profitable self-sustaining business while doing good, building stronger communities and creating a healthier environment.”

Learn more at www.shorebankcorp.com.