A John Hope Bryant blog post | Aug 26, 2025 |
Atlanta showed out. A record crowd, 25,000+ strong, packed InvestFest this weekend, proving (again) that when knowledge meets access, people move. Our closing-session fireside chat, moderated by Dr. Jatali Bellanton, was fast, practical, and all heart. We talked ladders from idea → income → assets → ownership, then brought four rising founders on stage to put that playbook to work.
On stage, I made a real-time call to back all four finalists, and I want to be crystal clear about what that means. Each founder will receive an Operation HOPE 1MBB support package valued at up to $25,000 in resources (personalized small-business coaching, training, and services). This is not a cash grant; it’s hands-on help designed to shorten the distance from hustle to holdings. In addition, I personally gifted $5,000 cash to each founder to put gas in the tank right now. Our team has followed up directly with each winner for onboarding details.
The 2025 finalists
Emmanuella Altidor — Belle Vue Enterprise: Black-owned Georgia real-estate developer building attainable, quality homes on under-utilized land.
Alfred Milan — Express Wages: On-demand wage access to reduce reliance on payday loans.
Toy Demmings — LoveJoy Relationship & Wellness: Holistic coaching for high achievers and caregivers; building a flagship program and recurring model.
Nakeita Stewart — Nakeita Stewart Consulting: Clarity-driven fractional executive services for small teams.
Notable voices, shared mission
InvestFest’s lineup reminded us that excellence compounds when we learn in public. Earvin “Magic” Johnson brought the house down with timeless moves on building, holding, and knowing when to sell. Steve Harvey and Jack Dorsey added their perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of money. This festival stays special because it blends pop culture with real playbooks people can run on Monday morning.
A moment with Dr. Bernice A. King
I was honored to welcome Dr. Bernice A. King as my personal guest. The standing ovation said it all. Her work to carry forward her father’s legacy, rooted in dignity, justice, and community, reminds us why inclusive economics is more than a headline; it’s a heritage and a responsibility.
A 12-year-old with a pro rig
Backstage, a 12-year-old photographer named Myles was shooting like a pro. I invited him to capture moments at our HOPE Global Forums in December (with guardian consent and the right support, of course). Talent is ageless; opportunity should be, too.
What’s next—your next move
- Founders & small-business owners: Get matched with a HOPE coach and apply to 1MBB.
- Individuals & families: Build your credit, budget, and savings, one disciplined step at a time.
- Everyone: Follow the Money & Wealth podcast for weekly “Wealth Work” you can do now.
We don’t need a miracle. We need a plan, a coach, and discipline, and a community that believes enough to act. Thank you, InvestFest, for the belief and the action.