On Monday, July 7, 2025, community leaders, small business owners and residents of Hope Mills witnessed the official launch of Elevate Hope Mills — an initiative designed 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 so special.
Presented by Crystal McLean, founder of Crystal Clear Consulting Group, and Shamblica
Lock, executive director of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, this three-phase initiative is
already being called “a blueprint for modern economic development in small towns.”
“This is more than a program — this is a movement,” said McLean in a press release. “Hope Mills has always had heart. Now we have the strategy. Elevate Hope Mills is going to set a
new standard for what small-town revitalization can look like when it’s rooted in people, purpose and prosperity.”
While many communities have tried to support small businesses in theory, Elevate Hope Mills promises action.
“This is something we’ve never seen done quite like this — not just in Hope Mills,
but in towns like ours across the country,” shared Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin. “Elevate Hope Mills is truly groundbreaking. It breathes new life into our business landscape while keeping our values at the core.”
The initiative is divided into three phases:
Phase One – Community Resource Fair
Launching Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, this family-friendly event is designed to connect residents directly with local businesses, organizations and resources.
Vendors will also enjoy an exclusive Vendor Connect Breakfast from 10 – 10:30 a.m., providing a powerful opportunity for small business owners to network, collaborate and potentially form new partnerships before the fair begins.
Participating businesses will benefit from:
● Increased visibility and brand awareness
● New customer connections
● Business-to-business collaborations
● Opportunities to grow their client base
Businesses are encouraged to register now.
Phase Two – Financial Empowerment Series
A three-day, interactive workshop series giving Hope Mills families tools to build wealth,
manage debt, save intentionally and move toward financial freedom.
Phase Three – Business Accelerator Program
A six-week program equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge
needed to stabilize, scale and secure government and local contracts. This includes support
in certifications, procurement readiness, marketing strategy and financial planning — helping
small businesses play bigger and build lasting sustainability.
“Our families and our businesses deserve this level of support,” said Hope Mills Mayor Jessie Bellflowers in a press release. “This isn’t just another program. It’s a game-changer for the people of Hope Mills.”
A family affair: Along with a full staff, Owner Eddie Claude and his wife Ruth (pictured right) work with their kids to run the restaurant. Eddie is a Veteran who served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. Photos by YGH STUDIOS & GFBJ. The Fayett
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