Just when you think there is nobody out there to help an entrepreneur, you find a resource like Operation HOPE.
Operation HOPE, Inc. is a national non-profit organization with a charter of bringing economic self-sufficiency and a spirit of revitalization to underserved communities. Operation HOPE fulfills on their promise by teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills to young people as well as adults. Founded by John Hope Bryant in 1992, the first Operation HOPE center opened in South Central Los Angeles and over the last 18 years they have expanded to 69 communities across the country and internationally, with a center located in South Africa.
There are a wide varitey of resources at Operation HOPE to include mortgage counseling and money management workshops, but specifically for the entrepreneur the following are some of the targeted (and free) programs.
Small Business Financing Seminars - With information on how to secure SBA loans up to $3.5 million, non-secured loans to $50,000, and micro loans to $20,000
Business Planning Workshops - Advice and planning for startups, help writing business plans, and business plan writing assistance
12-Week Entrepreneur Seminar Series
Youth Start Up Workshops
In addition to the prograns and counseling available, many of the locations offer a cyber cafe where entrepreneurs can use on-site computers with internet access free of charge.
After visitng the Oakland, CA Operation HOPE location I can say that the facility is extremely clean and well organized, with well qualified staff willing to help you with your questions and point you in the appropriate direction for help. The founder, Mr. Bryant is a very powerful speaker and motivator and is a fierce advocate for entrepreneurship and financial success. If you are an entrepreneur looking for a place to start with your information gathering, financing search or business planning remember there is always Hope.
About Operation HOPE, Inc. and its founder, John Hope Bryant:
John Hope Bryant has received more than 400 awards and citations for his work to empower low-wealth communities. In December, 1994, Mr. Bryant was selected by TIME Magazine for their “America’s 50 Most Promising Leaders of the Future” cover story.
Operation HOPE is the first non-profit social investment banking organization in America.
The tagline under the Operation HOPE logo on their website is "From Civil Rights to Silver Rights" and is a slogan that represents the next phase of the civil rights struggle - the economic empowerment movement not only of American minorities, but of majorities as well.
In early 2008, Bryant’s silver rights advocacy and the work of Operation HOPE inspired the U.S. President to make financial literacy the policy of the U.S. federal government by Executive Order for the first time in U.S. history.
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