Stories

From financial education to banking services, partnership is focused on helping small businesses thrive 

On warm summer nights in Moline, Illinois, the community comes together to dance, celebrate and support local businesses at Mercado on Fifth’s summer market.  

“The idea for Mercado on Fifth came from my grandfather Bob,” said Maria Ontiveros, the president and cofounder of Mercado on Fifth. “When he retired, he wanted to give back to the neighborhood where he grew up. He owned a piece of land where he thought would be perfect to host a market.” 

Mercado on Fifth was founded in the summer of 2016 in the Floreciente neighborhood of Moline to support primarily Hispanic-owned businesses and to provide a gathering space for the Hispanic community. 

In recent years, including in 2023, U.S. Bank has provided support through sponsorships as well as grants through the U.S. Bank Foundation. On July 21, Mercado on Fifth held Noche de U.S. Bank, celebrating the partnership. The two organizations also provide financial literacy classes to small business owners. 

“Mercado exists to empower, lift up and accelerate the Hispanic cultures in the Quad Cities,” said Ty Grunder, the small business banking specialist who is the banker for Mercado on Fifth and many of the businesses who take part in the summer market. “It really is focused on being there for underserved populations and seeing them on a rocket ship to wherever they want to go. For me, personally, it’s an honor to be able to support Mercado and business owners on their journey toward their goals.” 

Learn more about the partnership between U.S. Bank and Mercado on Fifth in the video above.