 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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 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.   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.   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.   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.   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.  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.  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  Watch our video to hear directly from volunteers about their experience, what they’ve learned, and the impact they’ve helped create.
 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.  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.  As a solo practitioner, Shakeia faced a unique set of challenges common to many independent therapy practices, including:
 TAP consultants focused on highly tailored, achievable solutions:
“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.  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. “My TAP consultants were amazing. They both went above and beyond to help me make my business a success.” - Shakeia Brodie.  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.
 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.  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.”  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.”  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.  Visit the Strategy Challenge Website  Fill out our interest form here.
Together, we can accelerate small business growth and create a stronger economy.
 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.  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:  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.  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.  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.  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.
 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. “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.”   TAP has evolved since its 2012 founding as a platform to support professionals reentering the workforce. Today:
 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.  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]  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.
 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.  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.  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. 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.  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  “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 • 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%  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.  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.
 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. 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  “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 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.  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. “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.”  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. Fill out our interest form, or visit the partnership page on our website to learn more.  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.
Ready to join the movement? Your donation fuels growth, builds tools, and strengthens communities. https://www.theaccelerationproject.org/donate.html 
 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:
 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.  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. We are proud to have these changemakers in our corner and grateful for their dedication to economic mobility and community transformation.  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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© 2024 The Acceleration Project, Inc. All Rights Reserved.