Thirteen years ago, I co-founded The Acceleration Project (TAP) to address a critical gap. Too many small business owners lacked access to the high-quality strategic support they needed to grow and sustain their businesses. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of entrepreneurs across the country. Their dedication, grit, and creativity have continually reinforced what I have long believed to be true: small business ownership is a powerful driver of economic opportunity and community resilience.

Over the years, we have seen firsthand how TAP’s consulting model empowers entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and build stronger businesses. The stories and outcomes have always been compelling. But to expand our reach and sharpen our strategy, we needed more than anecdotal evidence. We needed measurable proof of impact, data that would give our funders, donors, and partners the confidence that their support leads to meaningful long-term results.

That is why I am excited to share the findings of a new Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis conducted in collaboration with The Bridgespan Group.

This study answers a fundamental question: What is the true value of supporting small business owners with expert consulting?

The result: for every $1 dollar invested in TAP programming, $10 dollars in value is generated for small businesses and their communities.

Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a method for measuring the broader economic and community benefits of social sector work. It goes beyond surface-level outputs and looks at how services like TAP’s lead to real-world results such as revenue growth, job creation, and community revitalization.

We worked closely with The Bridgespan Group to design a model rooted in TAP’s program data from 2021 to 2024. This model also draws on more than twenty academic studies to validate our assumptions and benchmark outcomes. The result is a rigorous and credible framework that reflects both our reach and our results.

TAP’s 10:1 return is based on three key drivers of value:

1. Client Revenue Growth: 22 Times Return

   TAP helps small business owners strengthen pricing models, improve operations, and grow their customer base. These improvements lead directly to increased revenue.

2. Job Creation: 1.1 Times Return

   As businesses grow, they create jobs. These new roles contribute to household income and long-term economic stability. Our model includes the wages paid to new employees.

3. Local Economic Recirculation: 6.6 Times Return

   Small businesses help local economies thrive by keeping their dollars close to home. They hire local contractors, donate to community causes, and support neighborhood events. This local reinvestment creates powerful ripple effects. According to a 2024 US study by Civic Economics, local retailers return 52% of their revenue to the local economy, compared to just 14% from national chains.

TAP provides no-cost consulting services that meet small business owners where they are. Our approach is personal, actionable, and built to deliver results. We offer:

• One-on-one advising tailored to each business

• Small group coaching that addresses common needs

• Deep dive engagements for businesses undergoing major transitions

Our consultants bring deep business experience and a practical mindset. They work side by side with owners to clarify priorities, strengthen systems, and unlock growth opportunities. Clients consistently report increased confidence, improved financial control, and greater clarity in their business planning.

Behind every engagement is TAP’s lean, professional staff, who train, oversee, and support our consultants. This hands-on guidance ensures the quality, consistency, and impact of every service we provide.

The Bridgespan Group is a globally respected nonprofit advisory firm that works with mission-driven organizations to achieve greater impact. With more than twenty years of experience, Bridgespan brings expertise in strategy development, growth planning, organizational assessment, and funding design.

You can explore their work at www.bridgespan.org

Our missions are deeply aligned. Both TAP and Bridgespan believe that real change happens when organizations apply strategic thinking, data-informed decision making, and a relentless focus on results. We are honored to collaborate with them on this work.

This SROI analysis offers more than a compelling number. It provides clear evidence that investing in small business consulting creates measurable economic value. It gives our funders, donors, and ecosystem partners a framework to understand the full impact of their support.

When a business grows, it does more than earn revenue. It creates jobs, recirculates capital, and contributes to stronger communities. This ripple effect is what makes small business support such a smart investment.

How Can You Learn More or Get Involved?

TAP is scaling its work and deepening its partnerships across the country. We welcome collaboration with those who share our belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive meaningful economic change.

To learn more about TAP’s model or explore partnership opportunities, visit our website or reach out to start the conversation.