The Town of Hope Mills officially launched a new chapter in local economic development last weekend with the debut of the Elevate Hope Mills Initiative, a multi-phase effort designed to support small businesses, strengthen financial health for residents and promote long-term community prosperity.

Phase 1, the Community Resource Fair, was held on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at the Hope Mills Recreation Center. The event featured nearly 60 local vendors and drew hundreds of residents for an engaging, family-friendly indoor experience that celebrated the town’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Vendors reported impressive impact through end of event final surveys:

• Over $1200 in total sales
• More than 241 new client connections and potential appointments booked
• At least 45 new vendor-to-vendor business connections made

“This was more than a vendor event — it was a movement,” said Hope

Mills Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin in a press release. “We’re building a strategy that honors our small-town values while preparing our local economy to grow sustainably.”

McLaughlin worked closely with Mayor Jessie Bellflowers, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Kenjuana McCray and Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce President Shamblica Lock to design and implement the initiative with intentional focus on economic equity and community engagement.

“This initiative is about connection,” said Mayor Bellflowers in a press release. “Connecting small businesses to new opportunities, connecting families to resources, and connecting the past and future of Hope Mills.”

With overwhelmingly positive survey responses from both vendors and residents, the Town is now preparing to move into the next phases of the initiative:

• Phase 2 (September): A free, 3-Day Financial Empowerment Series focused on managing, growing, and protecting money — open to all residents.
• Phase 3 (October): The launch of the Elevate Business Accelerator, a small business cohort offering hands-on support in operations, funding readiness, and long-term sustainability.

The strategic guidance for the Elevate Hope Mills Initiative was provided by Crystal McLean, founder of Crystal Clear Consulting Group, LLC, whose consulting firm helped the Town align economic development with financial literacy and local capacity building.

“As big-box retailers enter the region, we want to ensure our small businesses grow with them,” said McLean in a press release. “Hope Mills is leading the way in what it means to grow forward while staying grounded.”

To stay updated on future events and phases of the Elevate Hope Mills Initiative, residents are encouraged to follow the Town of Hope Mills Facebook Page.