Need to Know
TAP and Truist Foundation have partnered to expand the EDGE Program to five new geographic regions (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South New Jersey, and Philadelphia), offering free eight-month financial coaching to small business owners, with a focus on those who are low to moderate income.
Community organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, and local agencies can become referral partners and get their small business communities access to no-cost coaching, 1:1 guidance, and opportunities to earn cash incentives.
Two free informational sessions are available on June 24 and July 29 for any organization that wants to learn how to get their community involved before applications open in September.
Community organizations that work with small business owners can now connect them to one of the most comprehensive free financial coaching programs available. The Acceleration Project (TAP) and Truist Foundation have partnered to expand the EDGE Program, a free eight-month financial health program for small business owners, to 500 entrepreneurs across six markets in the United States. Read the full announcement here. Organizations that want to bring this resource to their communities are invited to attend a free informational session on June 24 or July 29 to learn how to get involved.
What the EDGE Program Offers: Free Financial Coaching Built on a Proven Framework
The EDGE Program, which stands for Economic Development and Growth for Entrepreneurs, provides no-cost coaching, small-group sessions, and 1:1 financial guidance over eight months, with a focus on supporting low- to moderate-income small business owners. The program is built around the Financial Health Network's FinHealth Score framework, which organizes financial health into four pillars: spending, saving, borrowing, and planning.
The goal is practical and measurable financial behavior change. Participants work with TAP consultants to build stronger financial habits, improve decision-making, and create a more stable foundation for long-term business growth. At the end of each program year, 25 participants who complete all four modules and demonstrate measurable progress will share a $10,000 prize pool.
"The knowledge and guidance they're gaining from our consultants teaching in this program are improving their financial confidence and decision-making skills," said Jane Veron, CEO and Co-founder of TAP.
The program first launched in early 2026 in New York City and Westchester County with support from the Citi Foundation. With this new grant from Truist Foundation, EDGE is expanding to serve 200 small business owners in year one and 300 in year two, running through the end of 2028.
Why the Truist Foundation Partnership Makes This Expansion Possible
Truist Foundation's investment in the EDGE Program reflects its focus on strengthening small businesses and expanding economic opportunity in communities where growth is most needed. The newly funded markets include Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South New Jersey, and Philadelphia, all regions where small business owners face real barriers to financial resources and coaching.
"We're proud to support The Acceleration Project and its work to equip small business owners with the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to grow and thrive," said Jeremy Ben-Zev, Truist Philadelphia market president.
What Participating Small Business Owners Are Saying About EDGE
The early results from New York are a strong signal of what this program can deliver at scale. Lee Hogans, Owner of WiLeeHo Music, described his experience this way: "EDGE may have been the most organized and well-thought-out 1:1 I've had with TAP. My consultant was extremely helpful and professional."
That kind of feedback points to something important for potential partner organizations: this is not a passive program. Small business owners who go through EDGE come out with real skills, real confidence, and a real relationship with a TAP consultant.
How Partner Organizations Benefit: Supporting Your Small Business Community at No Cost
TAP is not just looking for organizations to pass along a flyer. Partner organizations play an active role in connecting their small business communities to the EDGE Program and in return receive regular updates on the progress, engagement, and outcomes of every small business owner they refer, as well as co-branding opportunities and broader recognition for successful referrals.
Eligible partner types include:
Chambers of commerce
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs)
Industry associations
City and regional economic development agencies
Nonprofits serving small business owners
Government entities with small business programs
For any organization already working to support small business owners, becoming a referral partner means you can offer your community something most programs can't: eight months of free, expert, one-on-one financial coaching. And TAP does the work.
How Can My Organization Get Involved in the EDGE Program?
Two informational sessions are open for registration now. Attending is the first step toward becoming a referral partner and getting your community access to free small business financial coaching starting in September 2026.
Session 1: Tuesday, June 24 at 1:00 pm ET Register here
Session 2: Wednesday, July 29 at 12:00 pm ET Register here
To ask questions or express interest directly, reach out to kathyk@theaccelerationproject.org.
Small business owners in eligible states can apply starting in September 2026. In the meantime, fill out our interest form: link to form
Help Connect Your Community to Free Financial Coaching This Fall
The Acceleration Project and Truist Foundation are expanding the EDGE Program to five states and Philadelphia, and they need community partners to help spread the word. 06/11/2026.
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