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…