“I only understood labor,” Gregory explains. “I knew how to do landscaping… I had the experience, but I didn’t know or understand business.”

The turning point came in April 2021, when Gregory picked up a book titled Up from Nothing by Operation HOPE Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant. The message resonated deeply, sparking a desire to move beyond manual labor and into the world of building a sustainable business.

Determined to educate himself, Gregory began joining local organizations like the SBA’s “Boots to Business” program and the Memphis Minority Business Continuum (MMBC). It was through the MMBC that he was referred to Operation HOPE to help him achieve his ultimate goal: scaling his business to secure large-scale commercial contracts.

Gregory enrolled in Operation HOPE’s Small Business Development program, where he was paired with Small Business Coach Angelic Mister. Together, they began the work of transforming Gregory’s Lawn Service from a labor-intensive operation into a structured enterprise.

“Learning from Operation HOPE and MMBC, it taught me how to be more hands-on in business itself — the management side, the contract-seeking side, the bookkeeping side,” says Gregory.

One of the most critical hurdles Gregory faced was financing. Despite his decades of experience, he found that securing capital to purchase commercial equipment was a “difficult process that could either make us or break us.”

Under Coach Angelic’s guidance, Gregory focused on a key pillar of business health: credit. “Your credit has to be at a certain level,” he notes. “We had attempted several loans… unsuccessfully. But after teaming up with Operation HOPE and getting our credit squared away, we were able to secure a loan for $25,000.”

Gregory credits much of his success to Coach Angelic’s professional yet personal approach. “Miss Angelic was very professional. She was patient, she was caring,” he recalls. “She seemed to be the type of person that’ll dig until she finds answers.”

Beyond the classroom and coaching sessions, Operation HOPE provided something Gregory hadn’t expected: networking opportunities. During his graduation from the program in September 2025, Gregory was introduced to Angelic’s network partners, giving him a chance to communicate directly with potential clients about their landscaping needs.

Today, Gregory’s Lawn Service is unrecognizable from its purely labor-focused beginnings. Armed with new funding, the company has implemented modern computer and networking systems to manage operations efficiently. While they continue to serve a growing residential base, they are also pursuing — and securing — commercial contracts.

But for Gregory, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Certified Master Gardener, success isn’t just about “astronomical profits.” It’s about adding value to humanity. This June, Gregory plans to bring on 10 new staffers through a youth program, providing young people in Memphis with vital work experience.

Reflecting on his journey from the mower to the manager’s chair, Gregory is quick to offer his gratitude. “Sometimes in our jobs or in our walks in life, we don’t know if we’re really making a difference, but you guys are making a difference, and I thank you.”

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

The post From the Mower to the Manager’s Chair: Scaling a 41-Year Landscaping Legacy appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Bobby Lockhart enrolled in coaching with me, Kiva Akoto, Small Business Development Coach at Operation HOPE in Memphis (HOPE Inside powered by Truist Bank – Crosstown Concourse/Uptown Branch), initially seeking guidance on launching a small product-based business. At the time, he was exploring ideas in the hair care space and was looking for clarity on how to move forward. However, through his participation in the Small Business Development Cohort and exposure to broader entrepreneurial strategies, his vision evolved beyond a single product into building a sustainable business infrastructure.

Through coaching, Bobby was introduced to foundational business development strategies, including formal business structuring, branding, and operational systems. He fully engaged in the program and further expanded his perspective by attending the HOPE Global Forums 2025 gathering in Atlanta. This experience became a turning point, helping him transition from simply exploring ideas to building a scalable enterprise. With guidance and the resources gained through the program, Bobby established Lockhart Legacy Group, LLC, secured his EIN, implemented business banking, and developed brand assets and systems to support long-term growth.

As a result of his progress, Bobby moved from theory to full implementation. He successfully self-published his first book through Amazon, developed 20 voice-narrated workbooks, and built a premium digital platform supported by modern tools and AI-powered systems. He also secured federal trademarks for UNSTUCK: Rise and Build, Power • Love • Discipline, and PLD, solidifying the foundation of his brand. Notably, he accomplished this while maintaining a full-time leadership role in healthcare operations, demonstrating discipline and commitment throughout the process.

Bobby shared, “Operation HOPE helped me move from having ideas to building a real structure. The coaching and exposure to broader entrepreneurial thinking gave me the clarity and discipline to go from exploration into implementation—and to build a platform designed to help leaders get unstuck, create clarity, and turn vision into systems.”

Through coaching and the structure provided by Operation HOPE, Bobby has transformed his mindset from simply starting a business to building a legacy-driven enterprise designed to grow and serve others. His work now focuses on empowering leaders to move forward using AI as a strategic resource, while maintaining human leadership at the center. Today, his business is fully structured, actively growing, and positioned for long-term impact—personally and professionally.

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

The post How This Entrepreneur Turned a Product Idea into a Scalable Enterprise appeared first on Operation HOPE.

“I got a grant to do it and I just took off running,” she said.

What she didn’t have, however, was something equally essential: a real business plan.

A SCORE mentor pointed her toward Operation HOPE, where a free five-week virtual business planning webinar was being facilitated by Small Business Coach, Brooke Ratliff. Jenny enrolled immediately, unsure of exactly what to expect.

What she found was transformational.

“The information that Brooke disseminated over the course was invaluable to me,” she said. “It really gave me a good read on what I needed to do to develop a solid business plan.”

At first, Jenny had viewed a business plan as something to show investors—a formal document meant to check a box. But during Brooke’s course, her understanding deepened.

“Understanding the numbers was key for me,” she explained. “Brooke bringing out that it was a vehicle for securing capital from banks—it really was a light bulb moment for me.”

The business plan wasn’t just paperwork. It was leverage.

For Jenny, who identifies as a BIPOC founder, that realization carried even greater weight.

“Being a BIPOC founder… it is difficult for us to secure capital for our business ventures. And so having a really solid, well-rounded out, well-thought-out business plan… I thought was great to learn how to do.”

Instead of walking into funding conversations with passion alone, she would be equipped with preparation, strategy, and proof.

As she worked through the curriculum and refined her thinking, her vision for the venture became clearer and more ambitious. Today, her venture has evolved into a digital upskilling educational platform designed to serve adult and student learners in Detroit—and eventually far beyond—helping them move from low-wage work toward economic mobility and security. That evolution was guided by the discipline of building the business plan from the ground up.

Working with Brooke made the process approachable rather than intimidating.

Jenny explained, “She was absolutely our coach, but she was very relatable. She seemed like she came from a founder’s background. So she understood what our positions were.”

Brooke didn’t simply deliver information and move on. She extended sessions when participants had questions and created space for dialogue.

“She would extend the time so we can ask… things that we weren’t clear about,” Jenny said. “It was absolutely a wonderful experience.”

Now, armed with a refined business plan and deeper understanding of her numbers, Jenny and her team are preparing to build a working prototype—grounded in real-world feedback from customer discovery sessions—before seeking additional capital. Investors, she learned, want more than enthusiasm.

“We have our passion,” she said. “But we now have our proof as well which is great.”

That distinction—passion plus proof—has changed how she approaches fundraising.

“Now we’re at the gate where we have to start asking people to give us money,” she said. “It’s daunting… but we are armed with the tools that we need to show them, hey, this is what we’ve done.”

For founders who ask how she built the foundation for her venture, her answer is immediate.

“Operation HOPE is the first thing out of my mouth,” she said. “Find them. See if you can tap into one of the sessions and really invest in the time… so that you can get the most out of it.”

For Jenny, Operation HOPE didn’t just help her write a business plan. It helped her transform passion into proof—and proof into possibilities.

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

The post From Passion to Proof: Turning Vision into Capital with HOPE’s Help appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Initially, Sherrie’s vision was that she’d fold these two business concepts into one brand. “In my mind, Naturally Illustrated and the Coloring Museum were one and the same,” she said. However, when it came to detailing her vision in a formal business plan, she floundered. “I had multiple businesses in one business plan and I was not thinking at that moment that that’s what it was. So it was very confusing and I think I was getting frustrated because people couldn’t understand what my business was,” she added.

A referral by local entrepreneur Tafari Roberts (read Tafari’s story here) connected Sherrie to Brooke Ratliff, Small Business Coach at Operation HOPE, for a new perspective on her dilemma. Sherrie valued Brooke’s candid feedback, which was shared in a way that felt constructive.

“I appreciate her and everyone else who’s been very patient with me as I’m pushing back. It’s a delicate balance being an entrepreneur because at the end of the day, especially in the beginning stages, you want to listen, you want to receive information so you can be better, but by the same token, you need to be confident about what you’re doing.”

Ultimately, Sherrie acknowledged that while Naturally Illustrated inspired the Coloring Museum, it was best to separate the concepts into two distinct businesses.

For entrepreneurs who are looking for a fresh perspective to grow their business, Sherrie’s journey offers four valuable lessons:

Lesson 1: Clarity is a Business Imperative
Like many entrepreneurs, Sherrie found herself with a business plan that was more of a patchwork quilt than a clear roadmap. Although she could see the vision clearly, potential partners and mentors struggled to grasp it.

This is a critical takeaway: if others can’t understand your business in its most simple form, it becomes harder to gain support, secure funding, or build a loyal customer base.

Lesson 2: It’s Okay to Pivot—Even Late in the Game
Sherrie launched Naturally Illustrated in 2016. It wasn’t until 2023—seven years later—that the proverbial lightbulb fully clicked.

Entrepreneurs often feel pressure to get everything right at the start. Sherrie’s journey proves that evolution is not only natural but necessary. Each event, business workshop, and competition—even the ones that felt like a waste at the time—played a role in refining her vision. Everything that she went through helped shape her business into what it is now.

Lesson 3: Marketing Matters as Much as Product
A powerful learning moment came for Sherrie when she watched other entrepreneurs struggle despite having amazing products. Passion and creativity are important—but they need to be matched by a thoughtful strategy for reaching customers.

Lesson 4: Seek Mentors Who Will Provide Honest Feedback
Brooke became more than a mentor; she became part of Sherrie’s informal advisory board. Honest guidance, encouragement, and directness helped Sherrie step into her role as a confident businesswoman. She also pays it forward, offering support to fellow entrepreneurs who may be feeling lost or overwhelmed.

As Sherrie reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, she’s gratified to know that she’s not just running a business, she’s revitalizing a community: The Coloring Museum is being constructed on the same spot as a hardware store she used to visit with her grandfather in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood. Sherrie is also launching a 26-foot Coloring Truck to bring the museum experience on the road.

Sherrie’s story is a testament to perseverance, flexibility, and the power of mentorship. For any entrepreneur feeling stuck, confused, or ready to give up: know that the path to growth often runs through the struggle.

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

The post FOUR LESSONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS AT A CROSSROADS appeared first on Operation HOPE.

“Brooke kept us confident. She knew I had a decade of experience in the restaurant business and we had assets, which made us strong candidates for a loan. We just needed help presenting all of this in a business plan. She really went above and beyond—meeting with us on a regular basis to refine our pitch and urging us to be as specific as possible when it came to expenses and sales. She’d also check on us to know more about our progress with different lenders,” said Maurice. 

With a comprehensive business plan now in hand, the couple was ready to approach lenders again, but where should they go first? Operation HOPE could assist here as well, and Brooke was able to refer the couple to several lenders that work with entrepreneurs who were just starting out.

Five months later, the couple was thrilled when CDC Loans approved their loan. Five months after that, the food truck’s retrofitting was complete, it passed the required health inspections, and Maurice and Bridget held their first event at an automotive plant with 500 employees.

“I’m 51, and life has been challenging. I’m finally accomplishing a dream I’ve had to be an entrepreneur—it’s a blessing,” said Bridget. Maurice added, “the HOPE program is fantastic. Brooke is fantastic, she 100% made this happen. It’s discouraging when you have a dream and you can’t secure a loan—we didn’t know where to turn. Operation HOPE was a breath of fresh air, it literally gave us hope.”

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

The post Operation HOPE Fuels These Food Truck Entrepreneurs appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Lisa Schilthius is the classic innovator-type of person our small business coaches at Operation HOPE get to work with every day. With years of experience in their “day job,” they are able to identify an untapped need in the market that will make their customers’ lives better. For Lisa, an occupational therapist by profession, it was while she was working with seniors with memory loss that sent her on her entrepreneurial mission. Lisa started talking with her daughter, Alyssa Zehr, who was also an occupational therapist, about what she was seeing and how they might be able to help. Together, they started developing activity books, journals, puzzles and building kits that caregivers could use to spur interactions with their senior patients. In 2021, the duo formed GrandMinds LLC to expand the reach of their groundbreaking products.

With help from Lisa’s son, Elijah, Lisa and Alyssa started out producing the books and puzzles by hand, but as orders picked up, they knew that wasn’t going to be sustainable. What Lisa needed was an infusion of capital so that she could invest in a manufacturing process to mass produce GrandMinds’ products. She decided to participate in the 53 Voices Challenge, a pitch competition sponsored by one of Operation HOPE’s banking partners, Fifth Third Bank. The competition required small business owners to submit a 53-second video and one-pager explaining their business concept. Out of more than 400 applicants, GrandMinds took home first place–a $7,500 prize.

But the grant money wasn’t the only positive thing to come out of the 53 Voices Challenge for Lisa. During the competition, she was introduced to Operation HOPE Small Business Coach Brooke Ratliff, who set Lisa on a long-term path for growth. To start with, Lisa joined an online seminar hosted by Brooke that focused on how to write a business plan. Lisa found that conducting a market analysis enabled her to look at her business more objectively so that she could further refine her products to meet market needs.

“I had no idea how to do a business plan before meeting Brooke,” said Lisa. “The workshop was rigorous, but the workload was manageable because it was a weekly course, with assigned homework. Brooke was always available to answer questions specific to my circumstances, which was invaluable.”

The business plan Lisa developed with the help of Brooke’s seminar was key to GrandMinds finishing third in another competition. She and Alyssa used this new round of grant money to expand GrandMinds’ product line.

“Lisa is that rare entrepreneur who has the right balance of vision, commitment, and expertise that moves her forward to crush her goals,” said Brooke.

Lisa gives Brooke and Operation HOPE a lot of credit for the fact that GrandMinds now has a loyal customer base across the country. The next goal for the company is to offer a techenabled product that would help engage patients with later-stage dementia. But wherever her entrepreneurial journey takes her, Lisa’s confident Brooke will be along for the ride.

“She gets what my family and I are trying to achieve with this business. She’s always accessible when I have questions, and I hear from her regularly with news about new grant opportunities,” said Lisa. “I’m so grateful to have her in our corner.”

The post Operation HOPE Helps a Michigan Entrepreneur Solve the Puzzle of Scaling Up appeared first on Operation HOPE.

From the beginning, Arnika’s venture into juicing was driven by her own health challenges. She discovered the benefits of cold-pressing juices for herself and was inspired to share these health solutions with others. Soon, Arnika had a good problem on her hands. Her product gained popularity and her business began to grow. She needed to find a way to scale her operations. That’s when she met her small business development coach Angelic Mister. 

Angelic was excited to help Arnika navigate the complexities of business expansion through the Small Business Development Program. With Angelic’s help, Arnika got the educational support she needed to navigate the new entrepreneurial terrain, and secured the financial backing needed to take Loaded Juice to the next level!

Thanks in part to Angelic’s coaching, Arnika was able to secure a $25,000 business loan from First Horizon Bank, a crucial step that enabled her to plan significant upgrades, including the addition of a food truck to increase her business’s mobility and reach.

Today, Loaded Juice is more than a product — it’s a growing brand that represents health, vitality, and community engagement. Arnika herself remains a passionate advocate for starting small and dreaming big. Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to “just get started and don’t allow yourself to get discouraged.” With the right support, she believes, any obstacle can be overcome, and any business vision can be realized.

The post Arnika’s Loaded Juice Gets the Green Light to Grow! appeared first on Operation HOPE.

“I’ve lived in Ypsilanti for 17 years, and I love it. Before I had my own hair salon, I got a lot of satisfaction volunteering for events in the local business community here,” said Claire. “The community responded in kind when I expanded my retail space to include gifts. I was overwhelmed by the positive response, and I really felt like I was on to something.” 

But a month later, the local business district shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Claire felt like her dreams had been dashed. To keep her businesses afloat, Claire got creative, coming up with promotions that leveraged her community connections, like a Valentine’s Day package that gave couples a night out while ensuring they maintained social distancing.

“I was thrilled to be able to put money back into the pockets of the local baker and other business owners,” added Claire. 

However, as most entrepreneurs can attest, passion, resilience, and ingenuity will only get you so far. A serendipitous conversation with Brooke Ratliff, an Operation HOPE coach, reframed Claire’s thinking about how she could take her business to the next level.  

“I was cutting Brooke’s hair in my salon, and we started chatting about our lives,” said Claire. “I was telling her about the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial journey and my goal of making the gift store a success.”  

Brooke offered to help Claire with her business through Operation HOPE’s Small Business Development program, and Claire has never looked back. 

“Before Brooke and Operation HOPE came into my life, it was trial and error as I tried to learn the ropes of running a business on my own,” said Claire. “But Brooke showed me I don’t have to reinvent the wheel.” 

To start with, Claire enrolled in an online class to learn how to create a business plan and arranged regular meetings with Brooke to tackle other aspects of the business, including marketing and financing.  

“Brooke is someone who always shows up,” Claire said. “Whether it’s meeting with fellow store owners to get a community event off the ground or making introductions to lenders, Brooke has held my hand every step of the way.” 

Watching Claire grow and evolve as a businesswoman has been rewarding for Brooke, as well. 

“My role as an Operation HOPE coach is to help entrepreneurs create a business that will stand the test of time,” said Brooke. “Claire has so much positive energy and enthusiasm, not just for her businesses but for her community. We’ve been able to take that passion and channel it into her businesses in a way that I think will bring her long-lasting success.” 

Claire is optimistic that all the hard work will pay off. And it appears she’s not the only one: To build the brand—including developing the store’s website—Claire recently applied for and received a grant from the Spark East incubator and a $35,000 small business loan from Fifth Third Bank. And like Claire, these two organizations are not just interested in supporting her business, but the community that surrounds it. 

It’s a win-win,” said Reginald Gilson, Financial Center Manager at Fifth Third Bank’s 14820 Gratiot branch in Detroit. “We’re thrilled to support local entrepreneurs who are doing great things in the community we all call home. We greatly value our partnership with Operation HOPE and we look to continue providing much needed resources to small businesses with the help of this great organization.” 

As Claire looks back at how far she and her businesses have come, she’s grateful that her conversation with Brooke that fateful day turned to discussing the trials and tribulations of her businesses. 

“I encourage all small business owners to work with Operation HOPE,” said Claire. “They have the expertise, resources and, just as important, caring, to help small businesses like mine reach that next level.”   

*** 

Connect with Claire: Instagram, Facebook or via her website. 

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

The post A Haircut that Led to HOPE appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Every mother carries a vision, a hope that her children will grow to be strong, dynamic individuals who will leave an indelible mark upon the world. In short, we call that legacy. Legacy is more than a mere inheritance of wealth or a family name; it’s the intangible essence of what we instill in our children—the values, the resilience, the drive to transform dreams into reality.

Kayla’s Italian Ice began as a simple wish to bring a piece of my own childhood memories to life, to recreate the joy of a New York summer in our new home state of Georgia. But it blossomed into something far greater—a shared dream with my daughter, Kayla. Together, we’ve taken this idea and turned it into a reality, a tangible manifestation of creativity and entrepreneurship, family legacy, and a deeper mother-daughter bond.

As we navigate this journey of nurturing Kayla’s Italian Ice, I see my daughter evolving before my eyes. She’s not just learning to run a business; she’s becoming the embodiment of what it means to be a resilient, savvy businesswoman. She’s learning how to take an idea from conception to fruition, facing challenges head-on with a confidence that swells my heart with pride.

As Kayla and I sat on stage at the HOPE Global Forums during a segment spotlighting Black-owned businesses, I paused and thought about what the future holds for Kayla, aware that her path may take many turns. Yet, there’s a profound sense of confidence that comes from witnessing her growth thus far. Whether she continues to expand her horizon within the world of Italian ice or ventures into a new passion she develops, one thing is certain—she has the will to succeed and the foundation to support that success.

Building this part of our family’s legacy with Kayla has been an unexpectedly rewarding part of my life. It’s not just about teaching her the ropes of business; it’s about watching her embrace the journey, with all its highs and lows, and developing the fortitude to persevere. This, in itself, is a legacy—a living testament to the strength and potential that lies within her.

The beauty of this legacy is that it’s not set in stone. It’s ever-evolving, shaped by every decision we make, every flavor we create, and every customer we delight. And while I can’t predict the future, I am confident in the legacy that’s unfolding—one where my daughter steps into the world equipped to face and embrace whatever comes her way.

As we continue to pour our hearts into Kayla’s Italian Ice, I am filled with a sense of hopeful anticipation for what lies ahead. This legacy we are building is more than a family business—it’s a testament to the larger legacy of Black entrepreneurs who came before us, and the many trailblazing women, many of whom have not been given the recognition they deserve. And for that, I am eternally grateful, to my daughter, to our supporters, and to Operation HOPE and the 1 Million Black Businesses initiative that fuels dreams and empowers legacies.

The post Sweet Legacy: The Mom + Daughter Duo Behind Kayla’s Italian Ice appeared first on Operation HOPE.

“Operation HOPE found me. I was driving Uber in Sarasota, Florida one Tuesday around 11 am. A lovely gentleman on his way to a funeral needed a ride to the airport in Tampa. I had my artisanal jewelry and mindful gifts business, JanieMae’s Cosmic Garden advertised on my back seat. He asked me how business was going. I told him it could be better. He gave me information that I persistently followed up with until I was assigned a mentor.

I was assigned to Mr. Antonio Lynch. Antonio provided a much-needed shift in my business mind and the way I was navigating life. The class has opened my mind immensely. I was and am doing a lot of things right. The acknowledgment of that by my educator and peers gave me a much-needed ego boost. Solo entrepreneurship had proven to be a little more than a challenge and admittedly left me a little broken. Mr. Lynch proved himself a good coach and encouraged me to pause, reassess, get my head back in the game and attack.

Now, I do business more intentionally than I ever have. There is a noticeable increase in my income and client engagement. This increase in business is gladly directed back to my tutelage. My classmates were also very insightful, encouraging, and enlightening. I’m excited to be featured in my own success story. I tell friends and other entrepreneurs I meet along the way about Operation HOPE’s life-changing program. Black, white, and all the notable shades in between, need help when it comes to scaling a business. I’ve benefited from it and I hope others find it as invaluable as I have.

I thank you for your help.

– Augustus Brown Jr”

The post Augustus Finds New Confidence with His Coach and Community appeared first on Operation HOPE.