Hopeton Hay

The Economic Perspectives blog was founded by its publisher and editor in August of 2008, Hopeton Hay, to provide a wide variety of information on small business, economics, banking, and finance trends and resources that can empower main street and underserved communities. 

The blog grew out of a radio show Hopeton started in July of 1995, also called Economic Perspectives, which broadcasts on KAZI 88.7 FM in Austin, Texas every Monday from 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.   The radio show features a diverse array of interviews with book authors, entrepreneurs, government and nonprofit officials, that share their knowledge, resources, and experiences that can educate, inspire, and empower listeners.  Past guests have included Eric Zarnikow, Associate Adminstrator for Capital Access at the U.S. Small Business Administration; Ken Blanchard, author of the One Minute Entrepreneur; and Melody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments, the 2nd largest African American investment firm in the nation.

Hopeton has over 20 years experience providing business training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses with a special focus on access to capital and access to surety bonds.  In addition he has served on the board of directors of three major community development financial institutions serving small businesses in Texas: Texas Mezzanine Fund, PeopleFund, and BiGAustin.