Now, most of the storefronts are vacant and the parking lot is almost empty. But Walker dreams of helping to trigger this neighborhood's return to its former vitality by building a Save-A-Lot grocery store in the shopping center he remembers so vividly.

With the help of loans from ShoreBank, Walker is applying his experience in the grocery and drugstore business to create an attractive grocery store where neighborhood residents can shop. He and ShoreBank believe the store will become an anchor for the community and a catalyst for other new businesses, while creating jobs for local residents and generating tax revenue for schools and other public services.

As the nation's first and leading community development bank, ShoreBank recognizes the role businesses play in building strong urban neighborhoods. Through consulting services, technical assistance and loans, ShoreBank helps entrepreneurs like Walker build wealth and invest in their communities.

ShoreBank also provides unique market analysis of untapped urban markets through MetroEdge, a business of ShoreBank Advisory Services. It uses innovative analytical techniques and specialized data to build upon traditional census information and decision methods to assess market potential, uncovering overlooked opportunities in urban markets.