HOPE MILLS — The Town of Hope Mills has announced a partnership with Crystal Clear Consulting Group and the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce as part of an economic initiative called “Elevate Hope Mills.”
Elevate Hope Mills is a free, three-phase program that seeks to “supercharge the local economy, equip families with financial tools, and create long-term growth and opportunity without losing the small-town charm that makes Hope Mills special,” according to the town’s press release.
Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin told CityView that the initiative is something the town has wanted to do for a while.
“We aimed to stimulate growth from a small business perspective,” McLaughlin said. “There’s often talk of growth and concerns about its impact on our community. To address those concerns while preserving the small-town character of Hope Mills, we felt a holistic approach focused on small businesses was necessary.”
One of the town’s partners in the initiative is Crystal Clear Consulting Group, based in Fayetteville and run by Crystal McLean. The group will be financed through funds from the town’s Economic Development Committee. McLaughlin said the committee was established when Jessie Bellflowers was elected mayor for programs like this to help small businesses.
“Our families and our businesses deserve this level of support,” Bellflowers in the town’s press release. “This isn’t just another program. It’s a game-changer for the people of Hope Mills.”
The program has three phases:
Phase One will kick off the program on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, with a vendor breakfast social hour from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Phase One is designed as a resource fair and a family-friendly opportunity for residents and vendors to connect, explore local businesses and enjoy activities for children, according to the town.
Food trucks will be on-site, and there is no admission fee for vendors or attendees, McLaughlin said.
“It’s also an opportunity for vendors and businesses to network with each other to increase their branding and visibility and allow direct customer engagement,” McLaughlin said.
The subsequent phases focus on business development classes. McLaughlin noted that interested individuals don’t need to own a business to participate and all workshops are free of charge.
Phase Two, the Financial Empowerment Series, is a three-day workshop that will provide Hope Mills families with financial tools like wealth building and debt management.
Phase Three, the Business Accelerator Program, is a six-week program designed to help local entrepreneurs obtain government and local contracts. Included in this program will be advice on certifications, marketing and planning, according to the town’s press release.
“This is something we’ve never seen done quite like this — not just in Hope Mills, but in towns like ours across the country,” McLaughlin said.
