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How Does TAP Deliver a 30 to 1 Return for Small Businesses and Communities?

7/9/2025

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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, $30 dollars in value is generated for small businesses and their communities.
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​What Is Social Return on Investment and Why Does It Matter?

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.
How Was the 30 to 1 Return Calculated?

TAP’s 30:1 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.
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What Makes TAP’s Model Effective?

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.
Who Is The Bridgespan Group and How Are Our Missions Aligned?

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.
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Why Does This Matter for Funders and Partners?

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.
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Real Impact, Real People: Meet Four TAP Consultants Creating Lasting Change

7/1/2025

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At The Acceleration Project (TAP), our consultants are at the heart of our mission. They bring sharp business acumen, compassion, and cultural competency to each engagement, helping under-resourced small business owners build sustainable, thriving ventures. This month, we highlight four standout volunteers—each with a unique story and a shared commitment to impact.
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Since joining TAP in 2023, Maria Borda has completed 13 engagements, contributing her financial and strategic know-how to help small businesses based in San Francisco and fluent in Spanish, Maria brings warmth, professionalism, and cultural fluency to every project.

Maria on her TAP experience “The group of entrepreneurs from the Valkyries Workshop on Finance Costs were eager to learn, participated and asked lots of questions during and after the session. I felt I was contributing in a direct way to their success.”

What clients are saying “My consultants already had a firm grasp of where I was as a business owner, and held no judgments about my lack of business acumen. Instead they pointed out a path and had confidence that, with the right guidance, I could do much better. Sometimes I felt like they had bigger dreams for me than I even had for myself.”
— Majora Carter, Majora Carter Group 

Maria is currently an Executive Recruiter at Westwood and Wilshire. Her prior experience includes consulting at KPMG and working in FinTech and lending across both corporate and startup settings. She holds an Industrial Engineering degree from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia and an MBA from Babson College.

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A TAP consultant since November 2024, Jim Stern  has worked on five projects with small business owners throughout the USA, including a recent engagement with Arise Renewed Counseling LLC. His background as a tech executive brings strong operational and product insights, but what stands out most is his ability to listen and build trust.

Jim on his TAP impact “It is rewarding seeing that listening, applying business knowledge, and providing feedback can go a long way for entrepreneurs who either lack the experience, could benefit from someone to collaborate with, or just need an ear to help them with their business.”

What clients are saying “Jim and his partner went above and beyond. Their analysis led to a complete change to my website that continues to evolve week by week. My TAP consultants were amazing.” — Shakeia Brodie, Arise Renewed Counseling LLC

Jim is a veteran of the entertainment tech industry with leadership roles at Zynga and Scopely. He has a proven track record of managing worldwide studios with 100+ people and integrating newly acquired companies valued at over $1B. He also has a long history of community service, from leading the Boys and Girls Club Board to building a meditation app for UCSF. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford and an MBA from Dartmouth.

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Los Angeles-based consultant Amy Zarin joined TAP in March 2024 and has already worked on 17 engagements. She draws on a powerhouse background in advertising and nonprofit communications to guide entrepreneurs through their branding journeys.

Amy on her TAP work “The client Jackie was very engaged, communicative, and receptive. Working alongside the consultant Souha was a great experience. She brings a financial lens, and I am learning from every engagement.”

What clients are saying “Amy was fantastic with her insights on brand strategy. It was great to have experienced and helpful people to motivate me.” — Jacqueline Sharp, Ravenous Ice Cream 

Amy’s career has spanned major agencies like Wieden and Kennedy and nonprofits focused on health equity and social justice. She is currently active in volunteer work, helping students with college essays and providing therapeutic support at Horse and Buddy. Amy holds degrees from Tufts University and Columbia University.

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Based in Pasadena and fluent in Spanish, Lillian Chung-Kang  joined TAP in December 2024 and has since supported seven business owners with a special focus on product presentation and brand positioning. Her advice is always grounded in real-world experience from her time as a founder and former business owner.

Lillian on her TAP engagements “Our client Viviana was very open to suggestions and recommendations. TAP is very meaningful. The open minded mindset of the client is what I enjoyed most about this engagement.”

What clients are saying “My consultants helped me improve the packaging of my product and made me look more professional. They were genuinely interested in my origin story. Their advice helped me make real improvements.” — Valentina Austin, Shea So Fine 

Lillian spent over 30 years in the fast fashion industry and founded her own fashion business, which she successfully sold to an investment firm. Her career has been defined by resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of entrepreneurship.

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These four inspiring Californians show how one person’s expertise can change the trajectory of a small business—and the lives behind it. At TAP, we equip our consultants with robust tools, templates, and training to make a lasting impact. 
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At TAP, consultants grow just as much as the entrepreneurs they support. If you're ready to share your skills, learn something new, and be part of a powerful movement, we invite you to join us 

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Watch our video to hear directly from volunteers about their experience, what they’ve learned, and the impact they’ve helped create.
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How TAP Helped a Therapist Grow Her Client Base by 60%

6/26/2025

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Small business owners in the mental health field face unique challenges from unclear marketing to rising operating costs. TAP helped one therapist in Atlanta overcome those barriers, boosting client acquisition and confidence through strategic, high-impact consulting.
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In just a few months, TAP helped Shakeia Brodie, founder of Arise Renewed Counseling LLC, increase new monthly clients by 60%, raise her website conversion rate by 21%, and save $100 per month by subleasing her office space.​
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Shakeia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LPC) based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, she launched Arise Renewed Counseling  in 2021 to address mental health needs she saw go unmet in her community. A mother of two and the primary earner for her family, she is deeply driven by both personal experience and a desire for professional independence.
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As a solo practitioner, Shakeia faced a unique set of challenges common to many independent therapy practices, including:
  • Unclear client targeting and difficulty increasing enrollment
  • Limited capacity to manage financial records and cover high overhead costs
  • An underperforming website and minimal digital presence
  • Uncertainty around what to outsource and how to prioritize marketing efforts
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TAP consultants focused on highly tailored, achievable solutions:
  • Website Redesign: Clarified language, improved layout, and strengthened calls to action on Arise Renewed Counseling’s site
  • SEO and Brand Positioning: Refined her messaging to align with how potential clients search for services
  • Operational Efficiency: Recommended subleasing office space to reduce fixed costs
  • Client Targeting: Helped define her ideal client persona and adjust offerings accordingly
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  • 60% increase in monthly client intake (2.5 to 4 clients per month from January to April 2025)
  • 21% increase in website conversion rate (24% to 29 % year over year)
  • $100 per month in rent savings from office sublease
  • 3.1% projected revenue increase in 2025 

​“TAP helped me view my business from a different perspective to identify my true brand. The most useful was the website feedback/analysis. Since modifying my website I find that each week I find something small to change that improves it based on feedback from my consultants. My work with TAP led to a complete change to my website” – Shakeia Brodie.
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 As a solo practitioner, Shakeia faces the unique challenge of balancing her role as a therapist with the demands of running a business. TAP’s support helped her thrive in both roles by offering clarity, confidence, and meaningful growth.
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“My TAP consultants were amazing. They both went above and beyond to help me make my business a success.” - Shakeia Brodie.
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Shakeia continues to evolve Arise Renewed Counseling. She is currently managing without an assistant and searching for someone who can also take over billing. Despite broader industry slowdowns, she is staying focused and future-oriented with a stronger foundation thanks to TAP.
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Teaming Up with Morgan Stanley to Drive Impact

6/18/2025

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At TAP, transformative impact starts with aligned minds working toward a common goal. This spring, we were honored to be one of nine New York City nonprofits selected for the 2025 Morgan Stanley Strategy Challenge, a pro bono initiative that pairs nonprofits with rising leaders across Morgan Stanley to solve strategic challenges.

Over the course of ten weeks, TAP partnered with a cross-functional team of Morgan Stanley professionals from investment management, corporate services, sustainable ventures, and wealth management. The team was tasked with creating a set of recommendations in response to our question, “How best to expand TAP’s reach and impact?”  

The team conducted in-depth interviews with TAP staff and external stakeholders and analyzed four potential cities for expansion. Their research identified Miami as the most strategic choice. Beyond selecting a location, they developed a broader roadmap to guide TAP’s national growth while deepening local engagement in high-impact communities.
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The Strategy Challenge is a standout example of employee engagement done right. These programs do more than support nonprofits. They create growth opportunities for employees, foster collaboration across divisions, and strengthen corporate commitment to social impact.

TAP benefited from the team’s diverse perspectives and rigorous analysis. As Morgan Stanley team member Alvin Flete  shared:
“Together, we tackled a mission-critical strategic question, providing customized analysis and actionable recommendations to support TAP’s mission. A big thank you to Jane Veron and the TAP team for your unwavering partnership and support throughout the challenge.”
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The challenge concluded with final presentations from all nine participating nonprofit teams. TAP’s team earned third place, along with a $10,000 grant from Morgan Stanley.

“Morgan Stanley’s Strategy Challenge is a testament to how the private sector can support mission-driven organizations in solving critical challenges,” said Jane Veron, TAP CEO. “We are excited to work alongside their top talent to advance our strategies, expand our reach, and maximize our impact on under-resourced small businesses.”
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Partnerships with TAP take many forms. Whether you are a corporation, foundation, donor, or government agency, TAP offers tailored, high-impact partnerships aligned with your goals. From CSR and employee engagement to advancing economic mobility and job creation, TAP serves as a force multiplier, delivering measurable results and long-term community impact while expanding our capacity to support small businesses and create meaningful opportunities for professionals. We are grateful to Morgan Stanley for championing the employee engagement model and to the Challenge team members who brought their insights and dedication to the table.
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Visit the Strategy Challenge Website
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Fill out our interest form here.
Together, we can accelerate small business growth and create a stronger economy.
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Professional Growth with Purpose: How TAP Invests in Its Volunteer Consultants

6/12/2025

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At The Acceleration Project (TAP), volunteering is a two-way exchange. Consultants lend their time and expertise to support small businesses in under-resourced communities, offering strategic guidance in operations, finance, marketing, growth, and more. In return, they gain access to a robust professional development platform that includes live trainings, curated resources, peer networking, and opportunities to build both existing and new skills.
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All consultants are invited to participate in professional development sessions offered throughout the year. New cohorts receive five dedicated onboarding sessions, while advanced trainings are open to the full consultant community. Recent offerings include:
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This hands-on session helped consultants explore how artificial intelligence can be practically applied to small business environments. They learned to navigate generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude and practiced prompt engineering to produce compelling marketing content, analyze spreadsheets, and automate operational tasks. The session highlighted low-cost tools that small businesses can realistically adopt, and included discussions of ethics, privacy, and real-world use cases from the field.
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Focused on learning how to protect sensitive data and guard against phishing, smishing, and credential harvesting, this session provided nonprofit-specific context and clear takeaways. Consultants were trained to identify threats, recommend password and data handling protocols, and coach clients on basic cybersecurity hygiene.
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In this interactive session, consultants were trained to lead thoughtful discussions around brand identity, positioning, and storytelling. The goal was to help entrepreneurs move beyond generic messaging and build authentic emotional connections with their audiences.
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What makes these sessions so effective is TAP’s commitment to consultants training consultants. Each session was led by a fellow TAP professional, reinforcing the power of peer learning within a highly experienced network.
  • AI Training: Led by Anne-Cécile Guillot Bellisario (Simplify Digital) and Lynn You (Etsy)
  • Cybersecurity: Created by TAP’s internal tech team
  • Branding Session: Facilitated by TAP consultant and branding expert Jodi Robin
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These trainings do more than strengthen TAP’s consulting impact. They offer consultants a platform for continued growth, whether they are exploring new directions or seeking to stay professionally sharp.
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“We’ve built TAP to be a place where impact and development go hand in hand,” says Amber Yusef, TAP’s Senior Director of Talent Operations. “Our consultants deliver meaningful support to small business owners, but they also gain confidence, clarity, and real-world experience that supports their own goals, whether that’s returning to the workforce, shifting careers, or staying professionally active.”
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TAP has evolved since its 2012 founding as a platform to support professionals reentering the workforce. Today:
  • 60% of TAP consultants hold full-time or part-time jobs
  • 62% hold advanced degrees
  • Consultants bring experience from firms like Google, American Express, Nike, and more
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While working with TAP, many consultants discover new interests or gain clarity that leads them to pivot into new industries. TAP provides the structure and stimulation to support these transitions while creating meaningful social impact.
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If you are a professional looking for a skill-based volunteer experience that grows with you, now is the time.
Apply to join the next TAP consultant cohortBuild your future while helping others build theirs.
[Apply]
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Passing the Torch: Small Business as a Pathway to Generational Wealth

6/3/2025

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As CEO of TAP, I’ve been reflecting on how families are rethinking the future of work. A recent article from Inc.com explores a growing trend: more young adults are choosing to join their family business. In a tough job market, many are discovering that working alongside a parent is not a fallback. It is a purposeful path that offers meaning, connection, and a chance to build something lasting.

At TAP, we see this every day. Many of the entrepreneurs we support are not just building businesses. They are building legacies. They involve their children in daily operations, share values through their work, and plan for the future of their companies as a source of strength for the next generation.
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How Donor Support Creates Opportunity for Under-resourced Entrepreneurs
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At TAP, every contribution helps unlock potential. Our donor-funded consulting enables small business owners in under-resourced communities to access expert guidance that is often out of reach. With tailored support, these entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, create jobs, and spark lasting change in their communities. For many, the impact goes beyond business. It reaches into their homes and into the future of their families.
Providing Access to Expertise and Resources

Shelly Flash, founder of 2 Girls and a Cookshop, launched her Jamaican street food pop-up alongside her teenage daughter Jataun. A single parent and first-generation Jamaican American, Shelly started the business in their kitchen to generate stable income while sharing her culture through food. What began as a creative way to make ends meet became a vehicle for empowerment and legacy.

With guidance from TAP consultants, Shelly strengthened her operations, expanded her offerings, and built confidence to grow. Her daughter remains actively involved, learning the values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride. Their journey reflects the shift described in the Inc. article, where young adults see family businesses not as a compromise, but as a meaningful career and life choice.
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Shelly put it best: “As a mother and entrepreneur, TAP has empowered me with the skills to grow my business and build generational wealth. I’m passing that knowledge on to my daughter, ensuring the next generation understands the value of financial literacy and ownership.”

Watch Shelly share her story in her own words in this video.
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Breaking Down Barriers

Small business owners often face significant challenges. Many lack access to affordable consulting, financial tools, or clear strategies for growth. TAP bridges this gap by providing high-quality support at little or no cost, thanks to our generous donors. We help entrepreneurs stabilize their operations, make informed decisions, and prepare for long-term success.
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For families like Shelly and Jataun, this work creates far more than revenue. It builds confidence. It transfers skills across generations. It opens doors for young people to envision themselves not just as helpers but as future owners and leaders.
Driving Community Impact
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When businesses grow, entire communities benefit. Owners hire local employees, build partnerships with nearby vendors, and serve as role models for resilience and possibility. TAP's impact extends well beyond individual entrepreneurs. We see ripples of success that lift families and strengthen Main Street.

We also value partnerships with organizations dedicated to advancing the rights and opportunities of generational wealth and succession planning. These collaborations help us expand access and build ecosystems of support that position small businesses to thrive.
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Celebrating Donor Impact
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Want to see the impact of your support? Explore our TAP YouTube playlist to hear directly from clients. Their stories show what is possible when talent meets opportunity.
Join the Movement
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Families across the country are turning to entrepreneurship as a way to build stability and pass on values that matter. At TAP, we stand beside them. When you support our work, you invest in people, in communities, and in the possibility of a better future.

Visit The Acceleration Project to learn more or make a donation today.
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Building Stronger Communities Through Small Business Support

5/29/2025

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Small businesses power local economies. They create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive innovation. At The Acceleration Project (TAP), we believe that when entrepreneurs are equipped with the right tools, their impact multiplies.
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TAP provides expert consulting at no cost to small business owners. From financial planning to operational strategy, our customized guidance helps businesses overcome challenges and scale sustainably.
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2025 Small Business Owner of the Year Originally from Peru, Jeniffer Salas began flipping homes in 2017 and discovered a passion for construction. In 2019, she and her partner, Marlon Mora, launched MJ Renovation Group in Orlando. As the business grew, Jeniffer faced the dual pressure of leading operations and providing for her family and team.
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She joined TAP’s Deep Dive program seeking clarity, confidence, and a pathway to expand into commercial renovation. With guidance from TAP consultants, she streamlined operations, improved financial oversight, and reworked pricing models for long-term growth.
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TAP worked with Jeniffer and Marlon to:
-Create a pricing calculator and cost-tracking system to improve bid accuracy and profitability

-Guide the business to incorporate industry-standard profit margins into bids to cover costs and support long-term viability
-Hire a bookkeeper and strengthen team infrastructure
-Refine their service mix to focus on higher margin commercial work
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“One of our biggest weaknesses was understanding our finances. TAP helped me see clearly who my clients are, who I should target, and what each project truly costs. For the first time I understand my profitability. That insight has changed everything. I can now reduce costs and make informed decisions with confidence. There are no more grey areas. Everything is black and white.”Jeniffer Salas, Co-Owner, MJ Renovation Group
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• Revenue increased 85%  in one year
• Contractor capacity tripled with a team of 11+
• Business mix shifted to 70% commercial
• Profit margins rose by 20% to 30%
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MJ Renovation Group is now bidding on larger contracts and earning recognition across Orlando’s Hispanic and women-owned business networks. Jeniffer is committed to mentoring other Latina entrepreneurs and sharing the lessons she gained through TAP.
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TAP delivers high-impact, personalized support to small business owners at no cost. Apply now for a free one-on-one consultation and take your business to the next level.
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Fueling Farmer Growth with Feed the Hunger Fund

5/20/2025

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At The Acceleration Project (TAP), we believe that small business growth starts with knowledge, access, and community. That belief came to life this spring through a powerful collaboration with Feed the Hunger Fund, a CDFI dedicated to building sustainable and equitable food systems by supporting Hawaii and California-based food and agriculture entrepreneurs from low income communities. 
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On April 11, TAP delivered a workshop as part of Feed the Hunger Fund’s ‘OHE Program, designed to uplift farmers with financial skills that build lasting stability. Hosted virtually, the session brought together farm owners seeking to grow their businesses and navigate the complexities of financial statements and pricing strategy.
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The workshop covered the fundamentals of financial health, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow, paired with actionable guidance on pricing strategies that protect margins and support long term profitability.
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Through real world examples and interactive exercises, participants gained clarity on how to assess their performance, prepare for financing, and price their products for success in a shifting market. Topics included:
• How to interpret core financial statements
• The differences between cash and accrual accounting
• How to conduct a break-even analysis
• Techniques to align pricing with costs, competition, and customer value
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“I really enjoyed the session. The presentations were clear, digestible, and left room for questions. I found the content fascinating.” - Business Development Specialist/Lending Officer at Feed the Hunger Fund
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Feedback from participants reflected high satisfaction with the experience. All attendees said they were likely to recommend TAP to a colleague, with 75% reporting they were extremely likely. Among those with an operational business, 75% felt better equipped to advance their business after attending the workshop.
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The project was staffed by two TAP consultants, including one with over 20 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations. Together, they led a workshop focused on key concepts in financial health and profitability. Through real-world examples and interactive exercises, participants explored how to assess their performance, prepare for financing, and price their products effectively in a dynamic market.
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“I had the right training and tools, used resources from the TAP toolbox alongside external research, and felt the client was engaged, satisfied, and well supported by the clear and easy to use materials we prepared.”
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Feed the Hunger Fund’s mission to nourish communities and fund change aligns closely with TAP’s commitment to providing under-resourced entrepreneurs with high caliber business consulting. Together, we are investing in the people who grow our food, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and capital they need to thrive.

This collaboration demonstrates what is possible when mission aligned organizations join forces to uplift farmers from the ground up. From financial fluency to pricing power, our workshop planted seeds of growth for future harvests.

If your organization is ready to be part of this movement, we invite you to partner with TAP. 
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Fill out our interest form, or visit the partnership page on our website to learn more. ​
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Jane Veron & Peter Greene on the Power of the TAP Model

5/15/2025

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The Acceleration Project’s 2025 Spring for Small Business® Benefit welcomed over 175 supporters to celebrate entrepreneurship, recognize impact, and amplify the voices driving economic mobility. In this conversation, TAP CEO and Co-Founder Jane Veron and Board Chair Peter Greene, co-head of the Investment Management Group at Schulte Roth + Zabel, reflect on an evening that showcased progress, partnership, and the power of one-on-one support.
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Jane Veron:
Peter, what a night. From the early moments with our small business owners and board members to the final conversations as guests headed out, the room was full of warmth and energy. What did the evening mean to you?
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Peter Greene:
Honestly, it meant a lot. I did not expect to feel so moved. I figured I would say a few words, help raise some funds, and that would be that. But then I looked around the room and saw people who have been part of my life for decades—like Stuart, my friend since middle school—and others I was meeting for the first time. It reminded me how much this organization means to all of us. What struck me most was the generosity in that room. People showed up, gave, sponsored, and truly cared. That kind of support means everything. TAP started as a favor to a friend. It has become something I believe in deeply.
Jane:
You have always believed in small businesses as engines of opportunity. And we both know, TAP’s origin was built on that belief—that with the right access and support, small business owners can thrive.
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Peter:
It is simple. The economy does not move without small businesses. They are your neighbor, your barber, your dry cleaner, your kid’s daycare. And helping them is not about your political party. Whether it is blue, red, purple, or anything else, supporting small business is just practical. From the start, TAP was founded on the idea of connecting small business owners with professionals taking a career break. The result? It worked.
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Jane:
It more than worked. Today, 60% of our consultants hold full-time roles at top firms and still find time to give back. They bring real world insight and real heart. Our consultant network spans 24 states and speaks 22 languages. Sixty-two percent hold advanced degrees. That reach allows us to meet business owners where they are—in both language and location—and deliver personalized, high-quality support.
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Peter:
And the impact is actually measurable. TAP asked The Bridgespan Group, a respected advisor in the social sector, to evaluate our model. They have worked with the biggest names in philanthropy and nonprofit strategy. When they came back and told us that TAP generates $31 in economic return for every dollar invested, it was huge. That is a data-backed endorsement from a legitimate standard evaluator. Not just feel good, but fact based.
Jane:
That return only happens because of the people who believe in us. Our sponsors, donors, board members, and consultants are the engine behind the work. And our clients, like Jeniffer Salas from MJ Renovation Group, are the reason we do it. Her story was such a powerful moment in the program.
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Peter:
After hearing Jeniffer speak, it is clear why TAP selected her as our Small Business Owner of the Year. Her story, her confidence, and the way she is lifting her team and community embody everything we stand for. She truly earned this recognition.
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Jane:
You also earned your moment, Peter. Your speech reminded everyone why leadership behind the scenes matters. You champion TAP with quiet persistence, strategic insight, humor, and integrity. When we announced your award, the outpouring was immediate. You are someone who makes people feel seen and supported.


Peter:
I really was humbled. That means a lot. TAP has always been about showing up. They help people succeed, one business at a time. That simplicity is powerful. Leadership matters, and I chose to get involved because of the strength of the mission. Supporting mom and pop shops, investing in local economies, and helping small business owners thrive is a cause worth rallying behind.
Jane:
We closed the night by asking for continued support. TAP is growing, adapting, and building tools to help even more entrepreneurs succeed. We are expanding our content, training more consultants, and deepening our relationships in communities across the country. But we cannot do it without investment.


Peter:
And it is not too late to get involved. In these uncertain times, when small businesses face growing challenges, our support matters more than ever. Whether you donate, volunteer, or introduce TAP to someone who needs support, there is a place for you in this story. The returns are tangible. The impact is lasting. And the opportunity to shape the future is right here.
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Welcoming TAP’s New Consultant Cohort: Talent, Purpose, and Nationwide Impact

5/5/2025

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At The Acceleration Project (TAP), our strength lies in the extraordinary people behind the work. This spring, we proudly welcome our newest consultant cohort, a dynamic group of professionals bringing fresh energy, diverse experience, and an unwavering commitment to driving small business success.
Representing industries from finance and strategy to HR, marketing, law, and operations, these consultants share more than impressive credentials. They bring lived experience, deep empathy, and a shared belief in using their skills to fuel meaningful change. Whether advising on capital readiness, building financial infrastructure, or shaping go-to-market plans, TAP consultants are catalysts for transformation.
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This new group of more than 20 professionals spans multiple time zones, career stages, and hometowns—from New York and Denver to Portland, Annapolis, London, and Goa. They bring insights from Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, global nonprofits, and entrepreneurial ventures. Highlights include:
  • A small business founder in Central America who studied at Cornell and George Washington University, now based in London
  • A senior leader from Nike in Portland, with degrees from UC Berkeley, launching a consulting agency to support small and mid-sized businesses
  • A growth product strategist in California who scaled a fintech platform to 250,000 users, educated at the University of Delhi and certified in AI by Google and Microsoft
  • A cybersecurity expert based in North Carolina who has taught over 1,500 aspiring entrepreneurs about business credit and government contracting
  • A strategic HR leader in Colorado with experience across 14 countries, an MS from Colorado State University, and a passion for inclusive culture building
  • A marketing and operations consultant from Annapolis who supports nonprofits and teaches entrepreneurship to students in Maryland
A recruiting professional in New York who led hiring for Peloton and supports clients like Lucid Motors and YETI
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TAP consultants do not just advise. They listen, co-create, and build trust. Their support helps small businesses grow, adapt, and reinvest locally, fueling the ripple effect that drives our mission.

Our model is powered by over 200 professionals, 60 percent of whom hold full-time roles at top firms. They bring real-world insight, fresh thinking, and a shared belief in small business. We often say we bring Wall Street to Main Street.

This flexible, high caliber talent allows us to tailor solutions to each entrepreneur’s goals and lived experience. Through our rigorous onboarding, professional development, and project based model, consultants gain access to a peer network, resume worthy experience, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference.​
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Whether supporting a women-led retail brand, helping a food entrepreneur access funding, or mapping operations for scale, this cohort is already making an impact…and they are just getting started.
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We are proud to have these changemakers in our corner and grateful for their dedication to economic mobility and community transformation.
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If you are ready to use your expertise to spark meaningful change, TAP invites you to join its community of dedicated consultants.
Apply to become a TAP consultant: https://www.tfaforms.com/4701371
Contact: [email protected] 

Visit to learn more https://www.theaccelerationproject.org/consultants.html
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