Hope Enterprise Corporation

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Native communities—and reaffirm our commitment to equity and inclusion for all. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #Equity #HopeMakesItHappen

Together we are building healthier, stronger communities across the Delta region of the US. The Delta Healthy Food Financing Initiative (Delta HFFI) is expanding access to fresh, affordable food while also creating jobs and revitalizing towns across AL, AR, LA, MS, and TN. Are you a local business, nonprofit, or government entity working to improve food access in the region? Delta HFFI offers technical assistance, financing, and networking to help bring your vision to life. Learn more and see if your project qualifies at https://lnkd.in/et-cg-bE

This Week: Delta Fest 2025 — The “Get Ya Money Up Festival” Delta Fest 2025 kicks off this week in Jackson, Mississippi, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders for three days of action, connection, and momentum toward a thriving Southern economy. Co-created by HOPE and Yancey Consulting, this first-ever economic activation festival for the Deep South is where vision turns into action. 📅 September 16–18, 2025 📍 Jackson, MS | 🌐 Virtual 🌍 Can’t make it to Jackson? Be part of the movement from anywhere with our livestream! On September 17–18, tune in for live access to keynote sessions and select recordings that will equip you to take action in your own community. 📲 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gV3imktn #DeltaFest2025 #EconomicMobility #GenerationalWealth #BrighterFuturesBeginWithHOPE

We Will Never Forget Today marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. We pause to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the heroes who rushed toward danger, and the resilience of our nation. On this National Day of Service and Remembrance, Hope Credit Union stands with communities across the country in reflecting on the unity, compassion, and selflessness that followed. Together, let’s continue working to build a stronger, kinder future for all. #WeWillNeverForget #NationalDayOfService #FirstResponders #Remember911

Delta Fest 2025: The First-Ever Economic Activation Festival for the Deep South! Co-created by HOPE and Yancey Consulting, Delta Fest will bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders to advance economic mobility at scale. 📅 September 16–18, 2025 📍 Jackson, Mississippi | 🌐 Virtual This 3-day gathering centers on three pillars of a thriving Southern economy: • Ownership • Entrepreneurship • Community Infrastructure Featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, and cultural offerings, Delta Fest is designed to spark action, deepen connections, and build momentum. Seating is limited! Register today to attend in person or virtually: www.deltafest.money. #DeltaFest2025 #EconomicMobility #GenerationalWealth #BrighterFuturesBeginWithHOPE

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated families, businesses, organizations and entire communities on the Gulf Coast. Months after opening our first New Orleans office, HOPE found ourselves using our O.C. Haley Boulevard facility as a staging ground to help people reassemble their lives. From outposts in in New Orleans and on the Mississippi Coast, we engaged deeply, listening to local voices, collaborating with community organizations, and channeling resources to facilitate an inclusive recovery.  In the ensuing month, working with allies from across the region, nation and globe, we helped more than 10,000 families rebuild and recover.  We commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by re-issuing “After the Storm.” a 2014 report that highlights work undertaken by HOPE and our partners. Among the lessons gleaned from Hurricane Katrina, and subsequent crises – whether natural, economic, or manmade – is that during such tumultuous times, historically under resourced people are disproportionately vulnerable, and the need for HOPE is greatest. As was the case after Hurricane Katrina, we continue to bring HOPE to people and places across the Deep South, where the potential, and the need are great.  In October, HOPE will merge with Atlanta-based 1st Choice Credit Union, extending HOPE’s work into the state of Georgia.  This partnership will deepen the impact of this 79-year-old institution, with branches at Grady Hospital, and in the historic Sweet Auburn District, a once-thriving economic, cultural and social hub, and the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, HOPE’s capacity to drive impact in our region is greater than ever, and so is demand for our services. As has always been the case, our ability to meet these moments relies on alliances with others who understand that we have to share this planet, and that when everyday people have the ability to support their families and their local economies, we all prosper.

Join the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in the Delta on August 8th for a morning centering the role of basic banking services, credit access and healthy small businesses in the financial well-being of the Mississippi Delta’s rural communities. Explore these and other topics at our Aug. 8 event, Financial Well-being in the Delta: A Conversation on Banking, Credit and Small Business. You’ll hear from a number of leaders in the Delta and across Mississippi, including: • Cassandra Williams, President, Hope Credit Union; • David E. Johnson, Sr., Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development, BankPlus Lexington; • Valour Taylor, Founder and Owner, Bread & Butter Shoppe; • and Scott Waller, President and CEO, Mississippi Economic Council The event will also feature St. Louis Fed research on credit and financial services in the Delta, financial innovations, and partnerships in communities—as well as broader economic insights on the region. Register Aug. 4! https://lnkd.in/evHZGmnu

Hope Credit Union is pleased to announce a merger with Atlanta-based 1st Choice Credit Union—bringing HOPE’s mission-driven financial services to the Peach State. With deep roots in Atlanta’s healthcare and HBCU communities, 1st Choice has long supported economic opportunity. As HOPE CEO Bill Bynum shared: “Being in Atlanta presents exciting opportunities to expand our alliances with healthcare providers, HBCUs, and other anchor institutions that are vital to a community’s wellbeing.” This merger advances our shared commitment to building an ecosystem where people across the Deep South have the tools they need to prosper. More here: https://ow.ly/JV1S50WxHy5

From Sweet Staff to Sweet Success Renee and Stephanie worked for years at Sweet Stuff Cake Boutique in Biloxi, MS—then they got the chance to own it. With a small business loan from Hope Credit Union they turned that opportunity into reality. Now, they're not just baking cakes—they're building wealth and carrying on a community favorite. ➡️ Read their story in this month’s newsletter. https://ow.ly/m3lA50WtweP #HopeMakesItHappen #CDFI #WomenOwnedBusiness #SmallBusinessSuccess #BiloxiMS #CommunityDriven #Entrepreneurship

Join the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis on August 8 for a powerful conversation about financial well-being in the Mississippi Delta. Financial Well-being in the Delta: A Conversation on Banking, Credit and Small Business will explore how access to basic banking services, affordable credit, and thriving small businesses shape the economic future of rural communities. Featured speakers are leaders in the Delta and across Mississippi, include: Cassandra Williams, President, Hope Credit Union David Johnson, SVP & Director of Community Development, BankPlus Lexington Valour Taylor, Founder & Owner, Bread & Butter Shoppe Scott Waller, President & CEO, Mississippi Economic Council You’ll also hear insights from St. Louis Fed research on credit trends, community partnerships, and financial innovation across the region. Register by August 4: https://lnkd.in/evHZGmnu