An educational initiative on wheels will be rolling through the St. Louis area this summer. Fifth Third Bank’s eBus will be offering financial empowerment tips and workshops over a two-week period, making stops in a number of low and moderate-income neighborhoods.
“The eBus is a great way to get our bankers out into the community, counseling people on ways to improve their financial picture,” said Royce Sutton, vice president and community development manager for Fifth Third Bank in St. Louis.
“It allows people free access to credit reports, homeownership information, small business information, and other practical money management advice.”
The 40-foot eBus, making its sixth tour of St. Louis in the past five years, is a way for Fifth Third Bank to reach out to communities often overlooked by other traditional banks. To date, Fifth Third Bank has conducted more than 1,500 one-on-one counseling sessions aboard the eBus in St. Louis.
To add some fun and draw attention to the events, radio DJ’s will be broadcasting live from each eBus stop. Some locations will also offer giveaways and games.
One of the eBus stops is targeted to small business owners and entrepreneurs, and will feature the Fifth Third Bank NASCAR show car, #17. The car will be on display on July 31 at the bank’s downtown location. This event is part of the Small Business Expo, and bankers will be on hand to offer tips on business start-ups and financing. Several speakers from other organizations will also share advice for entrepreneurs.
The schedule of eBus stops during the tour include:
- Friday, July 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Overland Community Center
9225 Lackland Road, 63114
- Sunday, July 29, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Hispanic/Latino Empowerment Day
Casa De Salud, 3200 Chouteau Avenue, 63103
- Tuesday, July 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Small Business Expo and NASCAR Ford Fusion Show Car, Fifth Third Bank Downtown Branch, 10th and Olive, 63101
- Wednesday, August 1, 3-5 p.m. – Oasis of Love Fellowship Church
355 Shepley Dr., 63137
- Thursday, August 2, 4-7 p.m. — Bosnian Empowerment Day
Bosnian Chamber of Commerce, 5039 Gravois Ave., 63116
- Friday, August 3, 3-6 p.m. – Grace Hill
2125 Bissell Street, 63107
- Saturday, August 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – St. Louis Public Schools Back-to-School Fest, Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton, 63103
The eBus visits are free and open to the public at all of the above locations. For more information about Fifth Third Bank’s financial empowerment program, visit https://www.53.com/financial-empowerment/kip-faq.html or call 314-721-2078. The eBUS Hotline is 314-889-3333.