Bank of America Names the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Cortex Innovation District as 2025 Neighborhood Builders

Bank of America has recognized the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Cortex Innovation District as 2025 Neighborhood Builders®. The bank selected these organizations for their dedicated efforts in workforce development. Furthermore, they are driving economic growth in the St. Louis community.

Investing in Local Leadership

Bank of America has named the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Cortex Innovation District as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders®. This award honors their work in advancing workforce development. Additionally, it recognizes their success in expanding economic growth in the St. Louis community.

Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders program continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments. It focuses on nonprofit leadership development. Moreover, it provides unique multiyear flexible funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide.

Specifically, both St. Louis nonprofits will receive a $200,000 grant over two years. They also receive comprehensive leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader. Furthermore, they gain access to a national network of nonprofit peers.

Since the program began, 37 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in St. Louis. Consequently, the bank has invested more than $7 million in philanthropic capital into these local organizations.

“Our local nonprofits are crucial to addressing local challenges in St. Louis,” said Marilyn Bush, President, Bank of America St. Louis. “Through flexible funding and comprehensive leadership training, the Neighborhood Builders program helps nonprofits address critical needs. It also promotes economic opportunity for the individuals and families in our community.”

Empowering Urban Communities

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis continues to serve as the region’s leading champion for empowerment and opportunity. Through its focus on educational excellence, economic mobility, and community uplift, the organization helps thousands of families thrive each year.

This new grant funding will expand access to workforce development and employment pathways. Specifically, it will support the Urban League’s signature “Save Our Sons” and “Save Our Sisters” programs. These initiatives equip participants with job readiness skills, career coaching, and life-changing support.

“This support is incredibly meaningful because it strengthens a longstanding, multi-decade partnership with Bank of America,” said Michael P. McMillan, President & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. “Their continued investment empowers individuals in our programs to secure new jobs. They can pursue entrepreneurial dreams. Ultimately, they move from limited opportunity to sustainable careers that allow them to provide for themselves and their families.”

Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurs

The Cortex Innovation District is the central business development hub in the St. Louis region. It provides individuals and businesses with facilities, resources, and education. These tools are needed to help the St. Louis community flourish.

The bank’s funding will go towards expanding Cortex’s “Square One Bootcamp.” This ten-week program connects entrepreneurs with training. Additionally, it provides networking opportunities to help them launch their small businesses.

“This investment from Bank of America will help us scale our Square One program to reach more aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Sam Fiorello, President and CEO, Cortex Innovation District. “Through a ten-week program we will give all attendees the knowledge, network, and self-confidence to say, ‘we can do this.’ We will walk with them at the beginning, middle, and later in their career as they develop their business. So, this investment in Cortex is really an investment in the entire St. Louis region.”

A History of Community Building

Neighborhood Builders is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities. They do this by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. Since 2004, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has invested more than $346 million in communities across the U.S. Furthermore, they have trained more than 4,000 leaders at nearly 2,000 U.S. nonprofits.

About Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions. They serve individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, and large corporations. They offer a full range of banking, investing, and asset management services.

The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States. Currently, they serve nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients. They operate approximately 3,600 retail financial centers and approximately 15,000 ATMs. Additionally, they offer award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users.

Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management. They also lead in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes. They serve corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals around the world.

Furthermore, Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households. They do this through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories, and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

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