Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to make finding the right support as clear and simple as possible. This page answers the questions we hear most often about TAP, our services, programs, consultants, partnerships, and ways to get involved.
Whether you’re a small business owner looking for support, a consultant interested in volunteering, or an organization exploring a partnership, you’re in the right place. Explore the questions below to find the information you need and take your next step with TAP.
About TAP
The Acceleration Project (TAP) is a nonprofit that unlocks pathways to wealth creation and economic mobility by providing free, high-impact, customized support in strategy, operations, AI, finance, and marketing to under-resourced small business owners nationwide. Founded on the belief that the quality of advice available to Fortune 500 companies should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it, TAP walks alongside entrepreneurs through every stage of business growth.
TAP serves under-resourced small business owners and entrepreneurs nationwide across industries including professional services, health, beauty, food and beverage, education, childcare, and construction. Our mission centers on expanding pathways to wealth creation and economic mobility for entrepreneurs who have historically had limited access to high-quality business guidance. While TAP is often described as technical assistance, what we actually deliver is something more: the kind of sophisticated, customized business advice that has traditionally been out of reach for most small business owners. And once a TAP client, always a TAP client.
TAP provides a range of support that varies in depth and reach, from tailored webinars and workshops to small-group coaching, one-on-one advisory sessions, and multi-week programs, meeting each business owner where they are. Support spans strategy, operations, AI, finance, and marketing, adapting alongside ever-changing technology to help entrepreneurs build enterprises that create lasting value. Delivered through a network of more than 200 pro bono consultants, TAP channels seasoned expertise back into Main Street because we believe capital alone is not enough: entrepreneurs also need financial knowledge, strategic guidance, operational expertise, and trusted advisors to turn opportunity into growth.
Yes. All of TAP's coaching, workshops, and consulting programs are provided at no cost to participating small business owners.
TAP supports small business owners across the United States. Through a combination of virtual and in-person delivery, TAP reaches entrepreneurs nationwide, across a wide range of industries and at every stage of their business journey. Many of TAP's webinars, coaching sessions, and multi-week programs are available virtually, expanding access for business owners regardless of location. Specific eligibility and availability can vary by program and partnership, so business owners should review the requirements for the program they are interested in.
TAP helps small business owners who are poised for growth tackle the challenges that come with scaling and expanding. Depending on the program, support spans marketing, strategy, AI, finance, operations, product development, team building, funding readiness, cash flow management, brand strategy, and more. Every engagement is customized, free, and designed to meet business owners where they are.
The right program depends on the type and depth of support you need. Webinars are useful for learning about a specific business topic; Small Group Coaching combines expert guidance with peer learning; 1:1 Coaching focuses on a specific challenge with personalized support; and Deep Dives provide more intensive, multi-week consulting for eligible businesses. If you are unsure, TAP also invites business owners to describe the support they need so the team can help connect them with the right option.
Visit TAP’s Apply for Services page to see current coaching topics and available programs. Depending on the offering, you can apply for 1:1 or Small Group Coaching, register for a webinar, or contact TAP about additional support. Program topics and availability change monthly, so check the page regularly for new opportunities.
TAP works with small business owners who have a proven concept, are generating revenue, and have been in operation for at least 12 months. The businesses we support are at a point where strategic guidance can make a meaningful difference, have the motivation and capacity to implement changes, and are operating with limited resources. TAP is not the right fit for businesses still in the ideation phase, and eligibility requirements can vary by program, so applicants should review the criteria for the specific service they are considering.
Next steps depend on the program. For 1:1 Coaching, business owners select an available date and time and are paired with a consultant with relevant expertise; Small Group Coaching applicants are notified when appropriate sessions are available; webinars require registration; and Deep Dives involve a more intensive process based on readiness and availability.
The length depends on the program. A 1:1 Coaching or a Small Group Coaching session is typically 60 minutes, TAP webinars are generally one-hour virtual sessions, and Deep Dives take place over a multi-week period. Other programs may vary based on the topic and type of support being provided.
Yes. TAP has a dedicated Servicios en Español resource for Spanish-speaking small business owners and offers free 1:1 coaching and strategic business guidance. TAP’s consultant network also includes Spanish-speaking professionals.
Running a business is hard, but it does not have to be lonely. TAP Into Community is a free, human-centered online space where small business owners find trusted peers, practical guidance, and learning opportunities from people who genuinely show up for one another. Members can navigate their next step, share knowledge and resources, and grow together because once you are part of TAP, TAP is always there for you. Ready to join? Sign up for TAP Into Community here.
Services & Getting Help
Partnerships
Organizations can partner with TAP in several ways, including providing financial support, professional expertise, mentorship, client referrals, resources, or event sponsorship. Prospective partners can complete TAP’s partnership form, after which the Partnerships Team works with them to identify an appropriate collaboration and define the partnership.
Yes. TAP works with referral partners—including chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, professional networks, and other community organizations—to connect small business owners with coaching and resources. Organizations interested in becoming referral partners can contact TAP through its partnership process.
TAP Consultants
TAP's consultants are experienced business professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to support under-resourced small business owners at no cost. With deep knowledge across strategy, operations, AI, finance, and marketing, many come from corporate, entrepreneurial, and advisory backgrounds, and 38% have been small business owners themselves, bringing firsthand understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face. TAP was built in part to infuse the small business ecosystem with this kind of seasoned talent, connecting entrepreneurs with the high-touch, personalized guidance that has historically been out of reach for under-resourced business owners.
TAP pairs consultants with clients and programs based on the business owner’s needs and the consultant’s expertise and interests. This helps ensure that business owners receive guidance from professionals whose experience is relevant to the challenge they are working to solve.
Professionals interested in volunteering can complete TAP’s Volunteer Consultant sign-up form and provide information about their skills and areas of expertise. TAP’s process includes training and onboarding, pairing with an appropriate client or program, providing consultations and guidance, and opportunities for continued support.
For more information visit here : https://www.theaccelerationproject.org/get-involved/volunteer-consultant
Supporting TAP
You can support TAP by volunteering your expertise, making a donation, or becoming a partner. Each form of support helps TAP expand access to coaching, consulting, resources, and programs for small business owners.
Other Small Business Resources
Navigating Tariff Uncertainty
Tariffs can increase the cost of ingredients, materials, packaging, and other supplies, while also disrupting supplier relationships and putting pressure on profit margins. This uncertainty can make it harder for small business owners to make decisions about pricing, hiring, inventory, and growth.
TAP provides 1:1 coaching and structured advisory support to help small business owners understand how tariffs and other external changes affect their costs, cash flow, pricing, suppliers, and operations. TAP coaches help business owners evaluate options, plan for different scenarios, and make informed decisions even when economic conditions remain uncertain.
Small business owners can start by confirming their tariff exposure with suppliers, understanding their total landed costs, reviewing pricing and cash-flow scenarios, negotiating payment terms, and considering alternative suppliers or sourcing strategies. TAP coaches can help owners evaluate these options based on their individual business circumstances.
Business coaching gives owners a structured way to evaluate complex challenges and focus on factors they can control. By improving financial visibility, scenario planning, pricing decisions, and operational resilience, coaching can help small businesses move from uncertainty toward informed action.
SBA EIDL Loan
Start by gathering your original loan agreement, SBA payment history, bank records, and any letters from the SBA, Treasury Department, or collection agencies. Review the amount owed, important deadlines, and who is collecting the debt. Before entering into a payment agreement or making a major financial decision, consider seeking trusted business, legal, or financial guidance.
Interest continued to accrue on EIDL loans even during the payment deferment period. If a delinquent loan is referred to the Treasury Department’s Cross-Servicing program, collection fees of up to 30% may also be added to the outstanding balance. These additional costs can make the amount shown on a collection notice significantly higher than the original loan balance.
Yes. TAP offers 1:1 sessions to help small business owners understand their EIDL situation, organize important documentation, request debt validation, review unclear charges, and think through practical next steps. TAP’s role is advisory rather than legal, and advisors can also help business owners recognize when they should consult an attorney, tax professional, or other specialist.
No. EIDL and PPP were different programs. While certain PPP loans were eligible for forgiveness, COVID-19 EIDL loans are government loans that must be repaid. Business owners who are unsure about their loan status should review their SBA records and seek guidance before the loan becomes seriously delinquent.
Staying Connected
Subscribe to TAP’s newsletter to receive updates about new programs, client success stories, organizational initiatives, and ways to get involved. You can also follow TAP’s News & Events content for the latest stories and announcements.
Recognized for Transparency & Empowerment
We’re proud to align with leading organizations that champion transparency, accountability, and sustainable small business growth.
How Our Partners Make an Impact
TAP’s success is a direct result of the collective effort of our partners. From providing resources to offering guidance, each partner contributes uniquely to the organization’s mission. Together, we’ve helped thousands of small businesses gain access to critical resources and grow their operations.
71%
Businesses Owned by
Under-resourced Populations
95%
Client Satisfaction Rate
13,200+
Business Owners Served with Customized Engagement
70,500+
Hours Donated