April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to spread the word on the importance of lifelong financial education and its impact on inclusion, equity, and the overall well-being of our communities. Financial literacy is intertwined with economic mobility and is vital to communities where limited banking options leave residents relying on alternative service providers such as check-cashing or payday lending establishments that can perpetuate cycles of poverty.

Invest Atlanta is actively participating in events throughout Atlanta to raise awareness about this issue and to help more of our residents on the path to participating in our homeownership programs.

We recently hosted a sold-out panel discussion at Atlanta Technical College with experts from Resources for Residents and Communities, Regions Bank, the Georgia Student Finance Commission, and State Farm there to answer questions on money matters.

Earlier this month, we joined the City of Atlanta’s Bank On Community Kick Event, where residents had the opportunity to speak with banking and government professionals about gaining access to capital, as well as learn about the additional resources available to them, such as homeownership classes, credit counseling, and more.

Invest Atlanta has long supported financial literacy efforts. The On the Rise Financial Center, located in the Westside, received a $100,000 Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund Grant in 2016. Since it opened in April 2017, the Center has offered high-quality financial counseling, entrepreneurship training, and homeownership education to local residents.

We understand that financial literacy is a critical component of the inclusionary economic development; hence, we look forward to continuing our support of high-quality personal and business financial education, throughout the month of April and for years to come.

#IamIA

Dr. Eloisa Klementich