The U.S. Small Business Administration and Operation HOPE, Inc., today renewed its Strategic Alliance Memorandum to promote financial education and encourage economic empowerment through entrepreneurship.

"This is an important step toward helping more entrepreneurs look beyond their neighborhoods to engage not only in the nation's economy but also in the global economy," said SBA Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development Tameka Montgomery.  "Together, we will continue to support the education and economic development of small businesses in our underserved communities and beyond with SBA resources to help foster entrepreneurial empowerment."

The alliance signing took place with Operation HOPE's founder and CEO John Hope Bryant and Associate Administrator Montgomery at the SBA's headquarters earlier today.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with the SBA and particularly pleased to highlight it during National Entrepreneurship Month. Small business is the lifeblood our country, helping their development, helps create jobs, spurs growth and builds our national economy," said John Hope Bryant, who also serves on the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans.

"Through our work to assist business owners secure loans, recover from national disasters and create new entrepreneurs through our HOPE Adult Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program and HOPE Youth HOPE Business In A Box Academies, and B Minus Business Compact Internship career pathways program both measured through the Gallup - HOPE Index, Operation HOPE is fulfilling its 'Silver Rights' mission to empower the underserved," said Bryant.

The alliance is intended to spur economic development through small business growth, and to improve entrepreneurial education that advances greater access to capital, expanded technical assistance and access to procurement programs.

Operation HOPE, Inc., is America's first nonprofit social investment bank and a national provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment programs. Through ongoing collaborations and long-term partnerships with leading government, private sector, and community interests, Operation HOPE works to bring self-sufficiency and a sustained spirit of revitalization to America's inner-city communities.

At the core of Operation HOPE's mission is the empowerment of communities through financial capability and dignity for all through its movement of "Silver Rights" or the right to financial literacy, making free enterprise work for everyone.

The SBA, its resource partners and Operation HOPE will continue their collaboration to provide small business counseling and training, and to work together to make resources available to benefit entrepreneurs nationwide.