HOPE Success Stories
How a Small Business Loan is Fueling a Memphis Mission
August 15, 2025Jeffery had a vision to train young athletes around Memphis to develop their confidence and find community. Once he started this business, he knew he needed capital to expand it. …
One Million Black Businesses Stories - View All
Championing the Caregiver is This Entrepreneurs Calling
January 10, 2025We recently shared a story during our year-end giving campaign that did not fully reflect the reality of Dawnita Brown’s experience. We deeply regret this oversight and want to correct …
Filling the Gaps with Knowledge
September 8, 20231 Million Black Businesses is about more than just creating 1 million Black businesses by 2030. It’s also about helping existing Black entrepreneurs enhance their skills, grow their network, and …
Credit & Money Management Stories - View All
Finally Off the Rollercoaster: A Journey to Financial Stability
February 7, 2025For years, Cedric and Shavonta Hudson dreamed of homeownership, but the path to financial stability had been anything but smooth. Married since 1998, the couple moved across California, Arizona, and …
Driven by Ambitious Goals and Sacrifice, Homeowner Settles and Succeeds in San Diego
January 31, 2025Written by: Lisa Karel How do you purchase a home in one of the country’s most expensive real estate markets? That was the conundrum for Juliette, who moved to San Diego, …
Small Business Development Stories - View All
A Haircut that Led to HOPE
March 1, 2024Claire Broderick has been self-employed for over two decades, so the struggles and rewards of entrepreneurship are nothing new to her. But no amount of experience could have prepared her …
Sweet Legacy: The Mom + Daughter Duo Behind Kayla’s Italian Ice
February 19, 2024written by: Y. Theresa Bostic Every mother carries a vision, a hope that her children will grow to be strong, dynamic individuals who will leave an indelible mark upon the …
Homeownership Stories - View All
For California Couple, Real Estate is a Way to Build Wealth
June 13, 2025Written by: Lisa Karel Getting your foot on the property ladder is almost always a stretch financially for first-time home buyers, but the experience of Nancy A and her partner, …
Keys to a New Beginning: The Power of Financial Literacy and HOPE
February 14, 2025When Ms. Brown first reached out to her loan officer, Ruth at Cadence Bank in Memphis, TN, she had one goal in mind—purchasing a home. However, with a credit score in the low …