WHAT IS TAP?
The Acceleration Project (TAP) is a non-profit that accelerates small business growth. Our business consulting services empower under-resourced entrepreneurs in order to create a more inclusive economy. TAP leverages its network of financial institutions, CDFI’s, economic development agencies and corporate partners to get to scale and ensure sustainability of our work. TAP’s innovative model channels underutilized talent into the economy by recruiting and cultivating a diverse consultant team that commits their time, expertise, and mentoring skills to advance TAP’s mission.
MISSION
TAP's mission is to empower under-resourced small business owners and accelerate their success. We provide high-impact and customized strategic, financial, operational, and marketing support. Small businesses are a vital engine of our economy, and TAP supports entrepreneurs who lack access to critical networks and resources. TAP has worked with more than 100,000 small business owners. 91% are women, and 77% are people of color.
We empower and accelerate their path to success by providing them with critical tools and skills. After working with TAP:
55% of clients increased sales.
95% of small business owners feel better equipped to manage their businesses.
85% of small businesses remained viable during the pandemic.
76% increased or retained jobs.
Our consultants share Fortune 500 wisdom with Main Street entrepreneurs, and our work is transforming not just businesses, but people’s lives. These business owners create jobs, provide for their families, build generational wealth, and impact their neighborhoods and larger communities all across the country.
We empower and accelerate their path to success by providing them with critical tools and skills. After working with TAP:
55% of clients increased sales.
95% of small business owners feel better equipped to manage their businesses.
85% of small businesses remained viable during the pandemic.
76% increased or retained jobs.
Our consultants share Fortune 500 wisdom with Main Street entrepreneurs, and our work is transforming not just businesses, but people’s lives. These business owners create jobs, provide for their families, build generational wealth, and impact their neighborhoods and larger communities all across the country.
HISTORY
TAP was founded in 2012 by a group of women in the New York metropolitan area. The idea emerged out of our desire to fix a problem. We witnessed small businesses struggling in the face of competitive pressures from the Internet and big box stores. Our main streets, our places to gather, work, shop and dine were fighting for survival. We saw store vacancies and shifts in buyer behavior. At the same time, we recognized a great underutilized resource. There was a deep local talent pool of women, many of whom had left the work force and had the know-how that these small businesses desperately needed. So we developed a program to identify, train and mobilize this work force to provide actionable business advice.
Awareness of TAP spread as success stories circulated. Soon partnerships with local chambers of commerce and municipal governments took shape. TAP earned a reputation as a source of unparalleled advising for small business owners. Corporations large and small sought our assistance in meeting their community development goals.
In March 2020, when the COVID crisis hit, it immediately became clear that TAP’s mission to support under-served small businesses was more critical than ever. We began offering free emergency services to any struggling small business. Now, as we move beyond the immediate effects of the pandemic, we are helping them to rethink their models, products and services.
TAP’s structure as a nonprofit allows us to provide our services to business owners who might otherwise lack access to the caliber and depth of service that we provide. The principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are at our core. We welcome all perspectives, celebrate differences and strive to unlock each individual's potential. Diverse voices make all of us stronger, so we intentionally work to create a diverse community. We value excellence, flexibility, collaboration and compassion.
Awareness of TAP spread as success stories circulated. Soon partnerships with local chambers of commerce and municipal governments took shape. TAP earned a reputation as a source of unparalleled advising for small business owners. Corporations large and small sought our assistance in meeting their community development goals.
In March 2020, when the COVID crisis hit, it immediately became clear that TAP’s mission to support under-served small businesses was more critical than ever. We began offering free emergency services to any struggling small business. Now, as we move beyond the immediate effects of the pandemic, we are helping them to rethink their models, products and services.
TAP’s structure as a nonprofit allows us to provide our services to business owners who might otherwise lack access to the caliber and depth of service that we provide. The principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are at our core. We welcome all perspectives, celebrate differences and strive to unlock each individual's potential. Diverse voices make all of us stronger, so we intentionally work to create a diverse community. We value excellence, flexibility, collaboration and compassion.
Learn about TAP's mission
