​When small businesses succeed, they create jobs and stimulate economic growth. TAP consultants directly strengthen local communities by helping small businesses become more sustainable and profitable. Through consistent support, TAP has seen tangible results, with small businesses reporting increased revenue and the creation of new employment opportunities. These outcomes reflect TAP’s commitment to economic growth in underserved areas.

Profile of TAP Consultants
TAP consultants are accomplished professionals with diverse backgrounds in finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, bringing years of experience from industries such as management consulting, banking, and entrepreneurship. They volunteer their expertise to empower small businesses and help drive economic growth in underserved communities. By providing high-quality, customized guidance, TAP consultants enable small business owners to overcome barriers, increase revenue, and create jobs—contributing to stronger, more resilient local economies.

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Consultant? Apply here to become a TAP volunteer consultant. Your expertise could help small businesses grow revenue and create jobs in 2025.

Analyzing your financial performance is a critical step in making informed decisions for the future. By reviewing last year's performance, you can spot trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and uncover growth opportunities for 2025. Consider leveraging financial management software to track expenses and forecast future performance - even a simple spreadsheet is a useful tool.
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Closely monitoring financials is crucial for profitability. Businesses that review their financials quarterly grow 20% faster than those that don't-a powerful incentive to stay on top of your financial health. At TAP, our consultants empower small business owners with the means to understand the stories their numbers tell, and we recommend regular financial reviews to foster business resilience.

Setting goals is fundamental to small business growth. Establish SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound - to keep you on track and aligned with long-term objectives. Whether expanding your customer base or launching a new product, clear goals help guide your focus.
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When you set your goals, do it with key success metrics such as revenue growth and job creation in mind. A goal such as "increase revenue by 15% in 2025," provides a specific, measurable target and is relevant to success, and has a finite period in which to accomplish it. Is it achievable? Try to reach for that sweet spot; don't set yourself up for failure, but don't back away from a challenge, either. Setting SMART goals will ultimately supporting sustainable growth.

In 2025, staying competitive will mean adopting new technology. Automation tools, digital marketing platforms, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems are essential for optimizing operations and engaging customers effectively. Explore solutions that streamline your processes and support business efficiency.
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TAP consultants frequently recommend technological solutions that boost job efficiency and revenue potential. CRM systems, for example, improve customer relationships, while marketing automation tools can enhance outreach and customer engagement.

Loyal customers drive repeat revenue, a focus central to TAP's mission to support business growth. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that increasing customer retention by 5% can increase profits by 25-95%. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, small businesses can build a more stable revenue base. Consider implementing customer feedback systems for continuous improvement in 2025.
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By following these strategies, your small business can thrive in 2025. TAP is here to provide the high-level, customized consulting you need to succeed. Check us out at www.theaccelerationproject.org to learn more and connect with us for support.

In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, Annie's Ginger Elixir stands out as a beacon of health and wellness. Crafted with love and precision by Annie Bassin, this organic ginger-based tonic is a powerhouse of nutrients, enriched with hibiscus, elderberries, blueberries, cranberries, and currants. Packaged in distinctive square bottles or 1.5oz tube shots, the elixir is sold online, at farmers markets, and in stores nationwide. 
With a mission to boost immunity and promote overall well-being, Annie's Ginger Elixir has captured the hearts and taste buds of health-conscious consumers nationwide. Annie and her partner, Allard Van Hoorn, envisioned taking their business to new heights. However, they faced a common hurdle for many aspiring entrepreneurs: the need for capital. Determined to secure funding for growth, they sought load readiness guidance from The Acceleration Project.  They joined the TAP to Grow loan readiness program funded by Mizuho to access the support.  TAP's team of experts, including consultants Stephanie Hurwitz and Ninfa Wilde, along with content specialist Jeff Willen, collaborated closely with Bassin and Allard to analyze their business from every angle. Through a review of financial data, business plans, and investor pitch decks, TAP identified key areas for improvement and developed a comprehensive action plan tailored to Annie's Ginger Elixirs specific needs.
TAP helped Annie’s Ginger Elixirs understand their debt coverage ratios and to ensure that cash flows could comfortably cover debt service obligations. As a result,  Bassin and Allard were better equipped to approach lenders with confidence. Moreover, TAP provided invaluable insights into several equity options, directing the duo towards ideal investor groups and refining their pitch deck to maximize appeal.
The impact of TAP's support was strong. Armed with strategic insights, Annie's Ginger Elixir has flourished. Not only did they sustain their growth trajectory, but they are working on plans to enter the Japanese market. Their products continue to sell directly on their website, and on Amazon, and at  Whole Foods and farmers' markets nationwide, further solidifying their presence in the health and wellness industry. The products are also available in Europe. 
The success story of Annie's Ginger Elixir serves as a testament to the transformative power of strategic guidance and collaboration. Through TAP's expertise, along with Bassin and Allard's dedication, this small Brooklyn-based business has evolved into a thriving enterprise poised for national and potential growth. “We have better organization and focus and have started thinking from a lender- and investor-centric perspective.” 

​As they continue to inspire others with their commitment to health and vitality, Annie's Ginger Elixir stands as a shining example of entrepreneurial vision and resilience.

Listen Alert
TAP CEO and co-founder, Jane Veron is Featured on The Business of Giving Podcast.
Denver Frederick is the Host of The Business Giving.

The program is the only show of its kind that focuses on solutions to today’s complex social problems. Over 300 Chief Executive Officers from nonprofit and philanthropic organizations from across the country have appeared on the program.

Click Here to Listen to the Podcast

Legacy Volleyball Club provides athletic and after school programs for hundreds of kids in the Bronx each year. Founder, Joel Sanchez says his work with TAP has been a game-changer, helping him expand and grow.
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“Our journey with TAP has been guided by the intention of breaking down barriers and making our services available to a broader range of people, including those from the Hispanic community.”

​Watch the video below to learn more.

Be a part of TAP's Annual Appeal by donating today - click HERE to help small business owners like Joel 

To mark National Women's Small Business Month we're bringing you the story of Kathleen Daly, former owner of Cafe Zoe in California.

CAFE ZOE'S STORY
Kathleen Daly opened Cafe Zoe, a community coffee shop in the heart of Silicon Valley, in 2008. Kathleen had no prior experience running a small business, but for fifteen years she focused on the joy of community-building. She and her daughter Zoe created a beloved neighborhood establishment where all were welcome. Cafe Zoe hosted live music on the weekends and local art covered its walls.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Kathleen loved creating community and serving her customers, but she had not adequately focused on the financials of Cafe Zoe. She was thinking about selling the business and needed help improving operations and planning for the future. 
WHAT DID TAP DO?
​TAP’s partnership with San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), an economic development agency focused on sustaining local economies, led to the work with Cafe Zoe. TAP consultants gave Kathleen the space and opportunity to think about the future of Cafe Zoe and consider different strategic options. They analyzed the cafe’s monthly cash flows to help Kathleen improve its finances. They also presented a source of comparable sale multiples to help Kathleen value the business.
"They showed me that I could increase the value of my business by managing it a lot better. I wasn’t focused on making money[,] … just community building,”  says Kathleen. “The work the consultants did was such a gift to me." ​
TAP DELIVERABLES 

• Monthly cash flow analysis 
• List of additional potential cash flow opportunities
• Opportunity to consider and evaluate various strategic options for the business
• Valuation scenarios model

BUSINESS RESULTS
Kathleen and Zoe decided they were ready for new challenges and sold Cafe Zoe in June 2023. Prior to her work with TAP, a business broker had recommended that Kathleen sell Cafe Zoe at a lower valuation. Kathleen knew her business was worth more. With TAP’s help, she and Zoe were able to increase sales and profitability, which led to a higher valuation and sale price. Kathleen is confident that Cafe Zoe’s new owner will sustain the culture of community-building that she and Zoe created.  Today, she remains an active community volunteer, working hard to support those who work and live in her neighborhood. 
“It was so fulfilling to work with Kathleen," says TAP consultant Tom Bochenek. "It’s great that she was able to sell the business she had built. The café will remain such an important part of the community under new ownership.”  

There are so many reasons our consultants love working with small businesses. But it's best if we let them tell you, in their own words. Check out the video below.