HOPE Inside is a unique empowerment model that brings free financial dignity programming to underserved communities. Clients are counseled on the language of money and work with an Operation HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach to transform established financial mindsets and develop customized action plans around building their own businesses, raising their credit scores, buying homes, or simply making better decisions with the money they have.

Programs include credit and money management, homeownership preparedness, and small business entrepreneurship. Every office holds consumer credit counseling certification, CFPB, FDIC, U.S. SBA, EITC, HUD, and FEMA applications and partnerships. Through the HOPE 700 Credit Score Communities initiative, the focus on raising client credit scores to 700, and thereby bringing financial uplift to communities is at the foundation of all HOPE Inside programming.

SunTrust Bank has partnered with Operation HOPE to sponsor this HOPE Inside location. All programs are offered at no cost clients.

Credit & Money Management

When you join a HOPE-700-Credit-Score-Communities group you will take classes with other individuals who are looking to improve their FICO scores. These classes will help you move your credit score to the 700+ range. You will learn the basics of making a budget, how to read a credit report, and what can be done to correct errors that may negatively affect your credit rating. The workshop, led by a financial wellbeing coach, will also cover your rights as a consumer, and how to make the most of them.

Topics Include:

• Budgeting
• Paying off debt and saving money
• Understanding your FICO score
• How to read your credit report
• Your rights as a consumer
• Settling accounts 
• Disputing inaccurate information

SMALL BUSINESS

The Small Business Development Program is designed to help those wishing to start or establish their own business. Building a business takes time, effort and the tools to succeed. Most importantly it takes a plan. Participants can attend the Small Business Workshop, enroll in the Entrepreneurial Training Program and one-on-one technical assistance.

Free Small Business workshops are taught by a trained Operation HOPE financial coach.

Topics Include:

• Advantages & disadvantages of business ownership
• Questions to consider when starting a business
• What you will need to start a business
• Components of a business plan
• How to access startup funding

The Entrepreneurial Training Course is a 12-week program that will supply entrepreneurs with simple, practical information to help them succeed, as well as feature a variety of guest speakers. Topics will include evaluating feasibility, selecting a business name, conducting market research, advertising, securing startup money, types of distribution channels and where to access capital. Each participant will complete a business plan by the end of the course. If you’re looking for the advanced skills you need to succeed in small business, this course is for you.