por 
THE BAJA POST
NEWSROOM
SOURCE: PR NEWSMEDIA
Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and financial literacy, proudly announces the extension of a landmark Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) signing with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), underscoring a shared commitment to empower small businesses nationwide. Together, the organizations have set a goal to create, scale and grow minority-owned businesses.
Today’s historic agreement, formalized during a visit to Operation HOPE’s headquarters by Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman and key SBA officials, signifies a significant milestone in advancing entrepreneurship in America. Against the backdrop of Atlanta’s thriving small business ecosystem, Administrator Guzman and Operation HOPE’s leadership convened to reaffirm their dedication to supporting entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved communities. Under terms of the agreement, both organizations will increase access to SBA’s resource partners, including but not limited to, SCORE, the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Veterans Business Opportunity Centers (VBOCs) and the Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). The SBA will also co-sponsor community-based outreach and education events with Operation HOPE and its initiatives including the 1MBB initiative.
Administrator Guzman emphasized the importance of a sustained partnership, stating, «We’re experiencing a small business boom under the Biden-Harris Administration, with more than 17 million new small business applications filed since the President took office – and this boom is being fueled by women and people of color.
Through this strategic alliance with Operation HOPE, the SBA will continue building on this surge of entrepreneurship by working to level the playing field and ensure every entrepreneur has access to the resources and support they need to thrive, create jobs, and grow our economy.»
This sentiment echoes Operation HOPE’s mission to empower individuals, families, and communities through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. By leveraging Operation HOPE’s expertise and nationwide network of clients, the sustained partnership aims to bolster small businesses, particularly among diverse communities, such as African American and Hispanic, seeking to build generational wealth.
«This strategic alliance with the SBA represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to empower small businesses across America,» said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Operation HOPE. «By working hand in hand with the SBA, we can provide vital resources and support to entrepreneurs, fostering economic opportunity and driving community prosperity for all.»
One of Operation HOPE’s flagship programs, the 1 Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB), has been at the forefront of growing Black entrepreneurship in America. With a focus on providing mentorship, training, and access to capital, 1MBB has demonstrated a proven impact in catalyzing the growth of Black-owned businesses across the nation. Since launching in 2020, nearly 400,000 new Black businesses have been started and engaged through the program.
