Turning Confidence into Action: How Customized Support Multiplies Opportunity.

- By Jane Veron

Small business confidence is on the rise.

According to the latest MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index (Q2 2025 report), nearly seven in ten small businesses say they are in good health, and almost three in four are comfortable with their cash flow, both improvements over last quarter. Hiring is also trending upward, with more owners adding staff in the past year.

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But here is the reality: confidence alone does not grow a business. Optimism must be paired with access to expertise if it is to translate into action.

Confidence Needs Guidance to Deliver Results

At TAP, we witness this truth every day.

Small business owners bring deep expertise in their craft, a clear vision for their future, and strong ties to their customers and communities. But confidence alone is not enough.

With the right guidance, particularly in areas like financing, marketing, operations, and navigating economic shifts, entrepreneurs can unlock their full potential. That is where technical assistance becomes a powerful multiplier, transforming optimism into strategy and driving measurable growth.

TAP meets small business owners exactly where they are. Whether they are just starting, in a growth phase, managing a mature company, or planning for an exit, TAP is a trusted partner throughout their journey, offering last-mile, human-centered support that strengthens business trajectories and builds lasting confidence. TAP understands both the mindset and the challenges of entrepreneurship, and we’re committed to walking alongside every client as they grow. This is why so many of the businesses we serve return to us year after year, because our programs evolve with them.

From Dream to Expansion: Little Loaf Bakeshop.

One powerful example is Little Loaf Bakeshop in New Paltz, NY, TAP’s 2024 Small Business Owner of the Year.

Owners Colleen Orlando and Rian Finnegan built a beloved bakery inside a shared kitchen and dreamed of expanding into a storefront. But the path to financing that dream was daunting: five-year financial projections, contractor quotes, planning board approvals, and a mountain of paperwork—all while continuing to run their business.

TAP consultants worked closely with Colleen and Rian to clarify pricing strategies, build detailed financials, and package their story for lenders. With that preparation, they were introduced to Pursuit, a mission-aligned capital partner.

The result: two approved loans, an SBA 7(a) loan for the build-out and a microloan for working capital. “Getting an SBA loan to build out our bakery while still running our operation was one of the most challenging projects of my career,” Rian shared. “But TAP and Pursuit made it possible. It’s a struggle right now for small businesses, but there are resources out there. Sometimes, you just need a little help finding them.”  In July 2025, their dream became reality with a bustling storefront in a new location, employing 18 people, a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets expert guidance.

Confidence Multiplied by Expertise

The latest MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index shows that 69% of small businesses report being in good health and 73% are comfortable with their cash flow, yet larger firms and those in manufacturing, professional services, and retail are far more likely to share that optimism than smaller firms or those in the service sector — making this the moment for owners to seek expert guidance that can turn positive momentum into lasting success.

We know that:

• Optimism without preparation risks missed opportunities.

• Technical assistance accelerates the ability to plan, adapt, and grow.

• Partnerships like TAP and Pursuit ensure that entrepreneurs are not navigating complex financing alone.

The Ripple Effect

When businesses like Little Loaf Bakeshop expand, the surrounding community flourishes. They create jobs, partner with local suppliers, and inspire others to imagine what is possible.

Confidence is a promising start, but it’s what a business does with that confidence that defines the future. At TAP, we believe the real story begins when optimism meets action. That’s why we remain steadfast in our commitment to walk alongside small business owners, delivering the strategic guidance, tools, and partnerships they need to turn momentum into meaningful, lasting impact.

​Apply today for a free 1:1 coaching session or partner with us to see how together we can fuel growth.