Three institutions with a shared goal of economic equity are coming together on Alcorn State University’s campus in April.
The university’s School of Business, the Mississippi Small Business Development Center at Alcorn State University (MS SBDC @ Alcorn) and Hope Credit Union will co-host Hope Day @ Alcorn, a free Financial Empowerment and Business Resource Forum, on April 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Dr. Rudolph E. Waters Building Auditorium.
The event is free and open to Alcorn students, faculty, staff and the broader community.
Hope Day is set to put classroom concepts into real-world action, connecting attendees directly with lenders, business advisors and financial professionals who serve the people that call Southwest Mississippi home.
The forum will feature a panel discussion, Building Financial Strength & Opportunity, taking a look at three areas key to economic growth in the region — Access to Capital & Financial Readiness, Starting and Growing a Business, and Student Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
A networking session, keynote address from Hope Credit Union and networking lunch will follow. Alcorn State President Dr. Tracy Cook will deliver greetings during the event.
“Our students deserve access to real tools and real partners — not just a classroom education,” said Dr. Antwon Woods, dean, Alcorn State University School of Business. “Hope Day was created to close the gap between what we teach and what students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders need to thrive financially and professionally beyond these walls.”
Hope Credit Union, a Community Development Financial Institution serving the Mid-South, and the MS SBDC @ Alcorn, which provides no cost business advising across eight counties in Southwest Mississippi and Concordia Parish in Louisiana, bring specialized capacity that no single institution can replicate alone. Alcorn State University generates $159 million in economic impact for Southwest Mississippi.
“Hope Day advances this outcome by connecting students, faculty and staff, alumni and small business owners with accessible financial education, trusted institutional support, and clear pathways to affordable lending and technical assistance — transforming awareness into confidence, capability and long-term financial opportunity,” said LJ Molden, senior vice president of Community & Economic Development, Hope Credit Union.
Jarita Frazier King, director of the MS SBDC @ Alcorn State University, said the barriers that keep aspiring entrepreneurs from accessing capital are often less about willingness and more about awareness and preparation.
These are gaps that Hope Day is designed to close.
“One of the biggest barriers I see is a lack of financial literacy and awareness of the resources that are available,” said King. “Many of our student entrepreneurs are first-time business owners in their families, so they often do not have the mentorship or guidance needed to navigate banking systems, credit and funding opportunities.”
Molden said the measure of financial empowerment is ultimately visible in what communities come to own.
“When financial empowerment takes root in a community, it looks like ownership,” said Molden. “People own their own homes, entrepreneurs own their own businesses and communities own their own assets. Ownership fosters civic engagement and engagement leads to lasting change.”
Seating is limited. RSVPs are required and should be shared with Anita Norman at [email protected] or 601-877-6457.
