In a recent episode of Money and Wealth, John Hope Bryant—founder of Operation HOPE and a nationally recognized voice in financial empowerment—shared a bold yet practical blueprint for building wealth in Black America.
The episode was packed with truth, clarity, and actionable steps. His message was clear: if we stay on our current path, Black America's collective net worth could drop to zero by 2053. But if we commit to intentional strategy and unified action, we could instead build $3.5 trillion in wealth over the same period.
Here are the 10 key moves from his economic blueprint that every Black business owner, entrepreneur, and leader in Montgomery County should know—and start using today:
1. Expand Black Homeownership
Homeownership is the single greatest tool for building wealth in America. Bryant’s target: raise Black homeownership from 42% to 60% by 2030.
Stop renting your future—own it. Look into down payment assistance programs and community land trusts now. Owning your home creates long-term equity you can leverage when your business needs capital. It’s also a sign of financial stability to lenders and investors. If you're currently renting, connect with a local homebuyer assistance program (like those through Operation HOPE or the Maryland Mortgage Program) to get pre-qualified and learn what support you may already be eligible for.
2. Grow Black-Owned Businesses
We need to double the number of Black-owned businesses and grow their revenue. Too many of our businesses are side hustles.
This point is about you. Your business is part of the solution. But it’s not just about starting a business—it’s about scaling, hiring, and building something sustainable. The stronger your revenue and operations, the more jobs you create and the more influence you build in your community. Set a revenue growth target for the next 12 months and identify one strategy—like increasing your prices, launching a new offer, or investing in marketing—that moves you toward that goal.
3. Unlock Access to Capital
The plan calls for building a $100 billion funding pipeline through community banks, minority-owned financial institutions, and corporate procurement.
Black businesses often rely on personal savings or credit cards—but true growth requires strategic capital. Whether it's a microloan or corporate procurement deal, getting access to capital shifts your ceiling higher. Lenders and investors need to see you, hear from you, and know your story. Make a list of at least three funding sources to explore this quarter—like LEDC, the Maryland Small Business Relief Program, or a CDFI—and commit to reaching out to one this week.
4. Improve Credit Scores Across the Board
Raise the average Black credit score to 700+. This alone would unlock $750 billion in potential wealth creation.
A strong credit score means lower interest rates, easier access to loans, and increased trust from financial institutions. For business owners, it’s the key to unlocking larger contracts and better financing terms. If your score is below 700, it could be costing you more than you think. Check your credit score this week and, if needed, connect with a credit coach or counselor—many programs, like those at Operation HOPE, offer this free of charge. Build a 6-month plan to get your score up.
5. Get Ahead of AI and Digital Skills
Bryant urges us to train 1 million Black individuals in artificial intelligence and digital skills by 2030.
AI isn’t just for big corporations—it’s already reshaping how small businesses manage marketing, admin, and customer service. The future belongs to those who understand how to use these tools. Small business owners who embrace AI today will be the ones still standing tomorrow. This month, try out a simple AI-powered tool—like Canva’s Magic Write or a chatbot builder—to automate a task in your business and explore how much time it can save you.
6. Invest in Our Youth Early
Programs like the Dream Forward movement are already working to open youth bank accounts and teach financial literacy in schools.
Mentoring students or hosting interns isn’t just giving back—it’s growing your team and shaping future talent. Summer internships can bring fresh energy, while helping young people build real-world skills. When you invest in the next generation, your business builds roots in the community and gains long-term brand equity. Look into hosting a student through Summer RISE or MTIP this season—you’ll be surprised how much value one intern can add to your workflow and culture.
7. Action Over Conversation
Bryant pulls no punches: “We will not enable games and admire the problem. We will not talk you to death.”
Too many business ideas die in notebooks or endless planning sessions. Momentum comes from execution—not perfection. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is your nudge to move. Choose one initiative you’ve been delaying and commit to a 7-day test run. Whether it’s a flash sale, a new product, or a collaboration, action creates clarity and momentum.
8. Use the Resources Around You
Bryant emphasizes leveraging existing programs: Operation HOPE, Summer RISE, MTIP, financial literacy coaching, CDFIs, and more.
There are free programs, grants, technical assistance, and coaching resources created specifically for small businesses—but many go unused. These programs were built with you in mind. Take full advantage. Visit ledcmetro.org or thinkmoco.com and sign up for at least one upcoming webinar or resource event. The right connection could open up your next level.
9. Buy Into Businesses, Not Just Start Them
With many baby boomers retiring, there are billions of dollars worth of healthy, cash-flowing businesses available for purchase.
There are thousands of profitable, cash-flowing businesses owned by baby boomers who are ready to retire. Many of these businesses don’t have succession plans—and could be purchased by entrepreneurs like you. Instead of always building from scratch, consider acquisition as your next move. Search a site like BizBuySell or connect with a local business broker to explore what’s available right in Montgomery County.
10. Don’t Wait for Permission
“This is not DEI—it’s DIY,” Bryant says. This blueprint doesn’t rely on the government or systems to step in.
The systems you’ve been waiting on? They’re not going to knock. The gatekeepers aren’t handing out keys. But here’s the good news—you don’t need permission. The power to grow, pivot, and lead is already in your hands. Write down three things you’ve been waiting for “the right time” to do, and start one of them this week. Ownership starts with action.
Ready to Go Deeper?
This isn’t just a plan—it’s a movement. A shift. A challenge to stop waiting and start building. The future of Black wealth is not out of reach. It’s in motion—and you are part of it.
If you want to go deeper, download the full Plan for Black America and watch the Dream Forward summit hosted by Operation HOPE: https://operationhope.org/dreamforward
And tune into the full podcast episode:
Money and Wealth with John Hope Bryant, available on the Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartRadio.
Let’s rewrite the forecast—starting right here, right now.