John Hope Bryant Donates $1.8 Million to Empower Albany State University Graduates in Entrepreneurship

John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE, has made a transformative $1.8 million donation to support the entrepreneurial aspirations of Albany State University (ASU) graduates.

Announced during his commencement address at ASU on December 14, 2024, Bryant’s contribution will provide 70 graduates with $25,000 each, along with comprehensive business resources to launch their ventures.

Each recipient will receive:

•          A free domain name and website

•          A Shopify account for e-commerce

•          Banking support      

•          A personalized business plan

•          Consultations with an attorney and accountant

 •         Access to a business manager and e-commerce executive

Bryant emphasized the importance of uncovering and nurturing entrepreneurial talent within communities, stating, “In every community, there’s a Steve Jobs. In every community, there’s an Oprah Winfrey… somebody’s got to pull that out of this community and shine a light on them.”

ASU Interim President Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II highlighted Bryant’s ability to connect with the graduates, noting their shared experiences and the inspiration Bryant provides for aspiring entrepreneurs.

This initiative reflects Bryant’s commitment to financial literacy and economic empowerment, aiming to equip the next generation of Black entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and support to succeed in their business endeavors.