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PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS : HOW FOUNDATIONS AND CORPORATE PARTNERS HELP TAP AMPLIFY ITS IMPACT

2/24/2025

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At The Acceleration Project (TAP), our mission to empower underresourced small businesses would not be possible without the vital support of foundations and corporate partners. These partnerships are instrumental in scaling TAP's services, driving community impact, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who need it most. Here's how foundations and corporate partnerships amplify TAP's impact and foster sustainable growth for small businesses across communities.
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Corporate and foundation funding allows TAP to expand its reach, providing more small businesses with the consulting services they need to thrive. Grants and contributions support everything from the recruitment and training of volunteer consultants to the development of customized programs tailored to the unique challenges small businesses face.
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Support from the Apollo Opportunity Foundation (AOF) plays a vital role in scaling TAP's mission. The AOF seeks to expand opportunity globally by investing in career education, workforce development, and economic empowerment, with TAP being one of the 25 nonprofit organizations selected to receive support. This transformative grant enhances TAP's operational capacity, enabling tailored services to help entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers and achieve sustainable growth, fostering economic mobility and entrepreneurship
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Foundations and corporate partners bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to TAP's mission. By collaborating on initiatives that align with their philanthropic goals, these partners help TAP address systemic barriers and create pathways for economic equity.
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By working with partners like the AOF and other leading organizations, TAP continuously evolves its approach to meet the needs of small businesses. This adaptability ensures TAP's services remain impactful and relevant, contributing to lasting change.
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The ripple effect of these partnerships extends beyond individual business owners. By strengthening small businesses, TAP helps to create jobs, drive economic growth, and revitalize Main Street. Foundation and corporate support amplify this impact, enabling TAP to serve more communities and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and resilience.
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In celebration of our partnership with the Apollo Opportunity Foundation, TAP's Co-founder and CEO, Jane Veron, recently attended AOF's three-year anniversary event, recognizing our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for underresourced communities.
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Want to learn more about AOF's approach and non-profit grantees? Check out their 2023 Highlights report.
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TAP's success is a testament to the power of partnership. If your organization is interested in joining forces with TAP to create lasting change, we invite you to explore opportunities to collaborate. Together, we can empower small businesses, strengthen communities, and build a more equitable economy.
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Visit The Acceleration Project to learn more about partnering with TAP and making an impact today.
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How Donor Support Creates Opportunity for Underserved Entrepreneurs

2/13/2025

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​​​“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.”
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     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:
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     Providing Access to Expertise and Resources
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​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.
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     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
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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
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​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.
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THE CONSULTANT EXPERIENCE: WHY VOLUNTEERING WITH TAP IS A WIN-WIN

2/9/2025

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At The Acceleration Project (TAP), our mission is driven by the dedication and expertise of our incredible volunteer consultants. These talented professionals bring their skills to support small business owners, empowering them to achieve growth and create lasting impact in their communities. But the benefits of volunteering with TAP extend beyond the businesses we serve. For our consultants, this experience is an opportunity for personal growth, professional development, and meaningful community engagement.
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TAP attracts volunteer consultants from diverse industries, including finance, marketing, operations, and technology. This diversity fosters a collaborative environment where professionals learn from one another, share best practices, and expand their networks.
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"Consultants are grouped into cohorts so you are working in a very supportive and collaborative environment, there is always help and access to topic specific experts. When working with a client and I need a resource, there is always a teammate or digital solution available to help", shares TAP Consultant Anita Borkenstein.
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For many TAP consultants, the experience of helping small business owners navigate challenges is deeply rewarding. It provides an opportunity to use their expertise to make a tangible difference while building their own confidence and problem-solving skills.
TAP Consultant Rose Gordon shared, "TAP gave me the opportunity to not only share my expertise but also grow alongside some amazing, driven individuals who are shaping their communities and industries. This work fuels my passion for making a real difference, and I'm excited to continue contributing to their success stories."
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Volunteering with TAP also provides consultants with the chance to sharpen their skills, gain exposure to new industries, and tackle unique challenges. Whether it's analyzing financials, crafting marketing strategies, or optimizing operations, the work offers valuable hands-on experience that translates back to their careers.
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"As an empty-nester seeking to both keep myself busy and give back to others, TAP was the perfect experience. TAP management is so supportive and helpful with any issues that arise and provides incredible tools and training for consultants to help their clients as well as the consultants personal growth" says Stephanie Hurwitz, TAP consultant since 2022.
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The work of TAP consultants has far-reaching effects, not just for the businesses they assist but also for the communities these businesses serve. By empowering entrepreneurs, TAP consultants play a key role in creating jobs, driving local economic growth, and strengthening Main Street.
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Want to hear more about the TAP consultant experience? Explore real testimonials and insights, including this inspiring video, to see how our consultants are making a difference.
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If you're a professional looking to make a meaningful impact, consider joining TAP as a volunteer consultant. Together, we can strengthen small businesses, empower communities, and create lasting change.

Visit The Acceleration Project to learn more and get involved today.
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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: SUCCESS STORIES FROM TAP CLIENTS

2/3/2025

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At The Acceleration Project (TAP), we’re constantly inspired by the grit, innovation, and determination of small business owners. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of our remarkable clients who have partnered with TAP to overcome challenges, achieve growth, and strengthen their communities. These success stories showcase the transformative power of tailored consulting and the extraordinary impact of empowering entrepreneurs.
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Legacy Volleyball Club transforms underserved youth through holistic volleyball programs that develop athletic skills, academic readiness and life confidence. The club sought TAP’s guidance to enhance its operations and scale its reach. TAP consultants worked closely with the owner to improve financial planning, optimize pricing models, and refine marketing strategies. As a result, Legacy Volleyball Club has not only grown its membership but also expanded its community impact by providing opportunities for more young athletes to develop their abilities and self-assurance.

“The expertise and support from TAP have been invaluable,” says Joel Sanchez. “They helped us think strategically and take our business to the next level.”
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Annie’s Ginger Elixir, a handcrafted beverage business based in Brooklyn NY, partnered with TAP to navigate operational challenges and increase its market presence. TAP consultants developed strategies to streamline production processes, improve inventory management, and enhance branding. The results were transformative: Annie’s Ginger Elixir now enjoys greater efficiency and a wider customer base.

“TAP gave me the tools and confidence to grow my business sustainably,” shares Annie. “Their guidance has been a true game-changer.”
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Pabade Bakery & Cafe, a sibling-owned eatery in East Harlem NY, faced challenges in managing costs and increasing revenue. With TAP’s help, the owners revamped their menu to focus on high-margin items, implemented a customer loyalty program, and refined their marketing efforts. The changes led to a significant boost in profits and a stronger connection with their local community.
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“Working with TAP was an eye-opening experience,” says Dahyanna Carvajal. “They provided actionable insights that made a real difference in our business.”
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Want to hear more about the incredible journeys of TAP clients? Check out our Small Business Success Stories playlist on YouTube to see firsthand accounts of how TAP has empowered small businesses to flourish. These stories highlight the resilience, creativity, and heart of the entrepreneurs who make our communities vibrant and strong.
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • MISSION & HISTORY
    • MANAGEMENT TEAM
    • LEADERSHIP BOARDS
    • CONSULTANTS
    • 2025 SPRING FOR SMALL BUSINESS BENEFIT
    • CAREERS AT TAP
  • SMALL BUSINESSES
    • OUR CLIENTS
    • Small Business Owner of the Year
    • APPLY TO BE A CLIENT
  • PARTNERS
    • WHY PARTNER WITH TAP
    • PARTNER OF THE YEAR
  • NEWS & BLOG
    • SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES
    • MEDIA
    • TAP BLOG
  • 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
  • SERVICIOS EN ESPAÑOL
    • CONVIÉRTETE EN CLIENTE
  • 2025 SPRING FOR SMALL BUSINESS BENEFIT