NEW YORK, NY — August 17, 2026 — The Acceleration Project (TAP), a nonprofit empowering under-resourced small business owners through high-impact consulting and mentorship, has opened applications to its expanded Economic Development & Growth for Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Program for small business owners. EDGE is a free coaching program offering small group sessions and one-on-one guidance to help small business owners build a stronger financial foundation and improve their personal and business financial health. Applications are open now through August 31, 5pm ET, and applicants must be located in the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Southern New Jersey, or Greater Philadelphia.

The EDGE program is built around the Financial Health Network’s FinHealth Score® framework, focusing on 4 key pillars - spending, saving, borrowing, and planning - to help entrepreneurs build stronger financial habits, improve long-term stability, and grow their businesses with confidence. The program will help 500 small business owners over the course of 2 years. At the end of each year in the program, 25 participants will receive monetary awards to invest in their businesses and help advance their goals. 

“We are thrilled to open applications to EDGE and excited to welcome more small businesses into the TAP community,” said Jane Veron, CEO and Co-founder of TAP. “Our dedicated  TAP consultants have helped thousands of small businesses through our personalized 1:1 and small group coaching sessions over the years, and they are looking forward to assisting more passionate business owners with their Wall Street-level financial & strategic expertise. By ensuring small business owners have the opportunity and resources to improve their financial knowledge and business acumen, we’re keeping the engine of Main Street powering communities and economies.”

TAP began EDGE in early 2026 in New York City and Westchester County, NY, with support from the Citi Foundation. With additional generous support from the Truist Foundation, TAP was able to expand the successful program to additional states across the U.S. 

To apply to the EDGE program, please visit https://www.theaccelerationproject.org/tap-edge. Questions about this program or the application can be directed to Truist.EDGE@theaccelerationproject.org.

About The Acceleration ProjectThe Acceleration Project (TAP) is a nonprofit organization that empowers under-resourced small business owners through high-impact consulting and mentorship. TAP supports small businesses nationwide across a wide range of industries with tailored guidance spanning AI, finance, operations, marketing, and strategy, delivered at no cost to the small business owner. TAP has supported more than 13,200 businesses nationwide, helping small business owners achieve sustainable success, strengthen their communities, and expand economic mobility.

Media Contact:

TAP@relativity.ventures

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the EDGE Program?

The Economic Development & Growth for Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Program is an eight-month program that aims to strengthen both personal and business financial health among low to moderate-income small business owners across several states in the U.S. 

Who created the EDGE Program?

The Acceleration Project (TAP), a nonprofit empowering under-resourced small business owners through high-impact consulting and mentorship, with support from the Citi Foundation and Truist Foundation, created the EDGE Program.

What does the program offer participants?

EDGE provides small business participants with no-cost coaching, small-group sessions, and one-on-one guidance to improve their financial literacy and health. 

What does the program offer partners?

In exchange for assisting in promoting the EDGE program to their audiences, partnering organizations will receive regular updates on their referrals, their engagement, feedback, and progress made. 

What framework does the EDGE Program follow?

The program is built around the Financial Health Network's FinHealth Score® framework, focusing on spending, saving, borrowing, and planning to help entrepreneurs build stronger financial habits, improve long-term stability, and grow their businesses with confidence.

How was the program funded?

The program was first made possible by the Citi Foundation's 2025 Community Finance Initiative, which is focused on expanding financial coaching and counseling services across the U.S., and selected TAP as a recipient. The EDGE program was able to expand in 2026 due to a grant from the Truist Foundation. 

Who is eligible to apply?

The newly expanded EDGE Program is open to small business owners in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Business owners located in Southern New Jersey or the Greater Philadelphia area must be located within the ZIP code ranges below to be eligible. 

South New Jersey ZIP codes: (08000–08999) 

Philadelphia ZIP codes: (19019–19255)

Why were these states & regions selected?

Across these five markets, a consistent set of challenges emerges: persistent racial and gender disparities in access to capital; rising operating costs driven by inflation, tariffs, and insurance; economic slowdowns that strip away the thin cash-flow margins on which low-income entrepreneurs depend; and a structural deficit in financial coaching that better-resourced business owners access through accountants, advisors, and professional networks that remain out of reach. TAP believes the EDGE program can put the right tools and knowledge into the hands of small business owners in these regions to alleviate some of these burdens.

How long does the program last?

The Truist EDGE program will help 500 small business owners over two years. The goal is to serve 200 during the first year of the grant and 300 during the second year. The first accepted participants will begin their modules in September 2026. Coaching will continue through the end of 2028.  

Are there monetary awards available?

At the end of years one and two, a $10,000 prize pool will be split among 25 business owners, resulting in $20,000 total of monetary awards distributed. 

How do participants qualify for awards?

To qualify, participants must complete all four EDGE modules and show measurable progress in improving financial health behaviors through program milestones. Eligible participants will also submit an EDGE Finalist Impact Story, sharing their journey through the program in written, audio, or video format. Award recipients will be selected based on program participation, milestone progress, consultant feedback, and the strength of their submission.

How do I apply to the EDGE program?

Small business owners in eligible locations can apply now through August 31st at 5pm ET at https://www.theaccelerationproject.org/tap-edge. 

What impact does The Acceleration Project have?

According to The Bridgespan Group, every $1 invested in TAP generates $10 in economic and community value. TAP has delivered more than 11,900 engagements nationwide, helping drive revenue growth, job creation, and local economic impact.