Investing in Breadwinners: TAP and Hot Bread Kitchen Partner to Empower Food Entrepreneurs

At The Acceleration Project, we believe that small business success grows from knowledge, access, and community. That belief is reflected in our collaboration with Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit that has been transforming lives since 2008 by opening pathways to economic mobility in New York City’s food industry. Through professional skills training, job placement, food entrepreneurship programs, and wraparound support, Hot Bread Kitchen helps New Yorkers build careers and launch businesses that strengthen families and neighborhoods.

Equipping Entrepreneurs with Financial Skills

Over the past three years, TAP has partnered with Hot Bread Kitchen’s SEED’s program to deliver training in Cost of Goods Sold and Financial Planning, equipping food entrepreneurs with the tools to understand costs, manage finances, and make informed business decisions. From 2023 through 2025, TAP led 11 cohorts across New York City, reaching more than 300 unique businesses. Participation steadily grew each year—62 businesses in 2023 (3 cohorts), 118 in 2024 (4 cohorts), and 122 in 2025 (4 cohorts). By combining clear instruction with relatable examples and easy-to-use templates, TAP has helped hundreds of food entrepreneurs build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Spanish Pilot that Lowers Barriers and Lifts Potential

Of the 122 businesses in the 2025 SEED cohort, eleven participated in a Spanish-language pilot held in August, expanding access to vital business education. For this group, TAP delivered workshops in Spanish on Market Analysis, Cost of Goods Sold, and Financial Planning, with all materials translated to ensure full engagement. The pilot officially concluded on October 6 with the final Spanish-language module.

Many members of the Spanish-speaking cohort were still in the idea stage of their businesses. Our consultants tailored the workshops accordingly, making complex concepts approachable and immediately useful. Participants explored target customers, competitive landscapes, and pricing models, then applied those insights to early-stage financial planning.

What made this pilot especially meaningful was not only the language accessibility but the cultural fluency our consultants brought to the program. With 29 percent of TAP’s consultant base Spanish speaking and culturally fluent, our team met entrepreneurs where they are, honoring values deeply rooted in family, community, and trust. This sensitivity ensured that the learning experience was not only effective but also authentic, respectful, and aligned with the cultural context of Latino business owners.

Results from participant surveys were strong:

• One hundred percent reported leaving with a stronger understanding of market analysis and financial planning concepts.

• Entrepreneurs emphasized that they now felt better equipped to calculate costs, identify advantages, and begin building viable business models.

In their words:

• “It was helpful to see every piece of financial management broken down.”

• “Simple and clear”

• “I learned that I need to do a market analysis to know my advantages and disadvantages compared to competitors.”

By delivering these workshops in Spanish and through a culturally fluent lens, TAP lowered barriers and celebrated the richness and entrepreneurial spirit of New York City’s Latino community. This milestone demonstrates what is possible when access and understanding come together.

Partnerships: The Fuel Behind TAP’s Impact

At TAP, partnerships are the fuel that drives our engine. We cultivate meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including microlenders, professional networks, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, government organizations, corporations, and foundations. Each partner shares our commitment to empowering under-resourced small business owners and catalyzing their success.

What makes these collaborations unique is TAP’s ability to complement them with curated coaching, practical tools, and compassionate consultants who listen and meet each business owner where they are.

Join Us

Learn more here on the ways to partner with TAP, to submit an interest form click here . Your partnership will help small businesses grow stronger, faster, and more sustainably.