The Town of Hope Mills is taking decisive action to empower its local business community with practical tools and high-level access. The Town has officially launched Phase 3 of the Elevate Hope Mills Initiative — a four-week business accelerator designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to move beyond survival and into sustainable growth.

This intensive program will conclude with a one-day Business Brunch and Roundtable, featuring a keynote from North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and bringing together entrepreneurs, policy leaders, lenders and economic development professionals for high-impact conversations and connections. 

“Hope Mills has always been built on the strength of its local businesses,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Kenjuana McCray in a press release. “As our town continues to grow, we are committed to ensuring our business community grows with it. The Elevate Initiative is our response to that commitment.”

The accelerator will run for four weeks, with cohort-based sessions covering:

• Strategic business planning
• Financial infrastructure and funding readiness
• Sales and marketing alignment
• Operational systems, compliance, and team-building

Each session is designed to meet business owners where they are, while helping them clarify where they want to go. The program is open to businesses within the Town of Hope Mills that are positioned for growth and ready to scale. 

The Roundtable event, taking place the weekend before the final session, will include:

• A business brunch catered by local entrepreneurs
• A keynote and moderated discussion with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
• Peer roundtable conversations on capital, visibility, workforce development, and operational sustainability
• A spotlight on local success stories
• On-the-spot consultations and resource connections with statewide partners

“We’re not just making space for small businesses, we’re investing in their long-term success,” said Mayor Jessie Bellflowers in a press release. “This initiative is about building a future where Hope Mills continues to thrive because our local businesses are thriving.”

Following the success of Phase 1, which engaged over 50 vendors and generated more than a few thousand dollars in local sales, Phase 3 builds on that momentum with deeper training, stronger partnerships, and a focus on sustainable business development. Business owners interested in participating in the Elevate Hope Mills Business Accelerator can apply here.