​​​ How Donor Support Creates Opportunity for Underserved Entrepreneurs

- by Jane Veron

“As a SBA Investment Capital Advisory Committee (ICAC) member and CEO of The Acceleration Project, I'm deeply committed to empowering under-resourced entrepreneurs. The ICAC's inaugural 2024 Report underscores the urgent need for programs that truly ‘meet the scale of the challenge’ and address the unique needs of each business owner.

At TAP, we take that to heart, meeting small businesses exactly where they are and guiding them towards flexible, long-term capital that fuels sustainable growth. It's the generous support of our donors that makes this vital work possible, allowing us to ignite revenue growth, spark job creation, and build thriving local economies. This isn't just business; it's about investing in people and their dreams.”

How Donor Support Creates Opportunity for Underserved Entrepreneurs

​At The Acceleration Project (TAP), every donation tells a story—a story of resilience, empowerment, and opportunity. Contributions from donors enable underserved entrepreneurs to access the critical resources, guidance, and expertise they need to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. These donations are more than financial contributions; they’re investments in communities, job creation, and economic growth. Here’s how your support creates lasting impact:

Providing Access to Expertise and Resources

Many small business owners lack access to high-quality consulting services that can help them grow and scale their operations. TAP’s donor-funded programs bridge this gap by connecting entrepreneurs with expert consultants who deliver customized, actionable strategies. These services empower business owners to optimize their operations, improve financial management, and enhance marketing efforts.

For instance, Daysi Briones, owner of IQ Contracting, Inc. & Associates, worked with TAP to grow her business. With TAP's advice, Daysi had the confidence to transition out of her home office to a new rented space and secured new clients by focusing on the private business sector. Her story exemplifies how TAP’s expertise can help entrepreneurs achieve sustainable growth.

Breaking Down Barriers

For many underserved entrepreneurs, financial constraints can be a significant barrier to accessing the support they need. Donor contributions enable TAP to offer its services at a highly subsidized rate or even for free, ensuring that every small business owner has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their financial circumstances.

Nadiyah, founder of TinkyPoo, benefited from TAP’s program, receiving guidance that transformed her business. She noted that her consultants were masters of their craft, providing actionable items and a plan for multi-phase growth. Her success highlights the importance of making these resources accessible to all entrepreneurs.

Driving Community Impact

The ripple effect of donor contributions extends far beyond individual businesses. When small businesses thrive, they create jobs, support local economies, and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities. TAP’s work, made possible by donors, strengthens Main Street and ensures that underserved communities have the resources they need to prosper.

Celebrating Donor Impact

Want to see the impact of your contributions in action? Check out TAP’s Client Success Stories playlist on YouTube to hear stories from small business owners whose lives have been transformed by donor support. These testimonials showcase the power of collective action and the profound difference donors make every day.

Join the Movement

​Your contributions can change lives. By supporting TAP, you’re not just helping individual entrepreneurs; you’re investing in the future of communities. Together, we can create opportunities for underserved business owners, drive economic growth, and build a stronger, more equitable future. Visit The Acceleration Project to donate and learn more about how you can make an impact today.