CIT Group Inc., in partnership with the nonprofit Operation HOPE, introduced the Launch and Grow video series to empower and educate small business owners. The series features small business owners across the U.S. telling their unique stories and offering guidance on key business topics like accessing capital, recovering from mistakes and leading through growth.

"Strong businesses are integral to creating strong communities, and CIT has been powering businesses for over a century with financing and expertise that support their goals. We are pleased to partner with Operation HOPE on this series, which delivers inspiring content to small business owners in an easy and accessible way," said CIT Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer Ellen R. Alemany. 

The series, which features CIT customers and Operation HOPE clients, kicks off with Operation HOPE's founder, chairman and CEO, John Hope Bryant and CIT's head of digital small business lending, John Donohue, discussing a common challenge for small businesses – accessing capital.

"Entrepreneurs need a financing partner that can empower them to tackle challenges and reach their goals, whether they are in the beginning stages or looking to expand," said John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE. "CIT and Operation HOPE's collaboration provides both the knowledge and support to drive small businesses into action. This is Operation HOPE's first digital series focused on small business and we are pleased to partner with CIT on this effort."

"Roughly three-quarters of small businesses require financing to make investments and grow their businesses" said John Donohue, managing director for CIT Direct Capital. "Since we began our journey about 25 years ago, we have provided approximately $4 billion in capital to over 100,000 small businesses across the country. We work with small business owners every day and are proud to showcase some of our customers and their success stories in this series. We hope their journey will inspire others to launch and grow their businesses."

Video topics include:

• Accessing Capital: John Donohue, Head of CIT Direct Capital Small Business Lending, and John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Operation HOPE
• Building Your Team: Edward Song, Founder of Five Points Learning
• Passion, Purpose & Profit: Patrice Diaz-Migoyo, Executive Director of Career Gear
• Cultivating Your Personal Brand: Nia Dara, Founder of Nia Dara New York
• Leading a Business Through Rapid Growth: Whitney Sullivan, Founder of Size Matters
• Recovering from Big Mistakes: Jewel Thompson, Operation HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach
• What's Your Price: Cedric Brown, Founder of Cedric Brown Collections
• Confidence is Key: Shirley Batchelor, Founder of Grandma's Gourmet Quick & Easy Cornbread
• Building & Leveraging Relationship Capital: Jayel Priester, Founder of Kuponya
• Your Reputation Precedes You: Kimberly Starks, Founder of Blue Scorpion Reputation Management.

Individuals can access the content and resources by visiting  here.