NewsChannel 5 Nashville recently featured TAP's expansion of its free EDGE financial coaching program to Tennessee — bringing expert one-on-one business coaching to entrepreneurs across the state, supported by the Truist Foundation.

About the EDGE Program in Tennessee

The Acceleration Project's EDGE program provides free, 8-month one-on-one financial coaching to small business owners in low- to moderate-income communities. TAP chose Tennessee because small business ownership there is often a viable path to generational wealth — and too many entrepreneurs lack access to the financial guidance they need to succeed.

Jack Murphy, TAP's VP of Programs & Partnerships, explained the gap the program addresses:

"A lot of them come into entrepreneurship not having a background in finance or how to manage cash flow or build projections and build financial statements. So a program like this can be tremendously helpful."

"These small business owners, they're the CEO, the CFO, the CMO and everything in between. Being able to work with them firsthand and see that decision fatigue that starts to set in gives me even more motivation to bring this program to communities across Tennessee."

Proven Results

In TAP's New York pilot program, more than 95% of the 280 participating businesses reported meaningful growth in financial knowledge. Some set up their first bill pay systems, while others established regular plans to pay themselves for the first time.

The EDGE program uses more than 200 pro bono consultants nationwide who speak more than 20 languages, with 40% being former small business owners themselves. At the end of each year, 25 participants receive monetary awards from a $10,000 cash incentive pool to invest in their businesses.

Apply for the EDGE Program

Tennessee small business owners can apply now at no cost.

Apply for the TAP EDGE Program

Read the full NewsChannel 5 Nashville article here.