Small Business Development
This Teacher of 50 Years Applies Lessons from Operation HOPE to Become an Entrepreneur
July 22, 2026Dr. Jacqueline Frierson had been a teacher for more than 50 years—28 of those years in Baltimore City—when she conceived of a business idea that proves that it’s never too …
Operation HOPE Helps to Anchor This Client in Business and in Life
The metaphor of an anchor is fitting for the way many of our clients feel as they begin the process of improving their lives with Operation HOPE’s help. Before Operation …
With HOPE’s Help, Nakeita “Nails” Her Business Expansion Goals
May 21, 2026Nakeita, a nail technician by trade with 17 years of experience, dreamed of exploring new entrepreneurial ventures in her field. She is highly skilled in her craft, but like many …
From the Mower to the Manager’s Chair: Scaling a 41-Year Landscaping Legacy
April 7, 2026Gregory is no stranger to hard work. With over 41 years of experience in the lawn care industry, he has spent decades perfecting the art of landscaping. In 2012, he …
How This Entrepreneur Turned a Product Idea into a Scalable Enterprise
March 17, 2026Written by guest contributor Kiva Akoto, Small Business Development Coach in Memphis, TN Bobby Lockhart enrolled in coaching with me, Kiva Akoto, Small Business Development Coach at Operation HOPE in …
From Passion to Proof: Turning Vision into Capital with HOPE’s Help
March 4, 2026When Jenny received a grant to launch a for-profit venture connected to her nonprofit work, she did what many founders do—she moved fast. “I got a grant to do it …
FOUR LESSONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS AT A CROSSROADS
October 21, 2025Sherrie Savage’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple idea: a self-published coloring book. As an illustrator, she sought a unique way to promote her work beyond social media and found …
Operation HOPE Fuels These Food Truck Entrepreneurs
July 1, 2025Securing a loan can be a major obstacle for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business, and that’s where Operation HOPE often steps in to assist. That’s the situation …
Operation HOPE Helps a Michigan Entrepreneur Solve the Puzzle of Scaling Up
May 23, 2025Lisa Schilthius is the classic innovator-type of person our small business coaches at Operation HOPE get to work with every day. With years of experience in their “day job,” they …
Arnika’s Loaded Juice Gets the Green Light to Grow!
May 1, 2024Arnika Carter is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering people to fall in love with the journey. That’s partially what inspired her to launch her company, Loaded Juice, in …