  At The Acceleration Project (TAP), we believe that when mission-aligned organizations join forces, real change happens. That belief came to life last week in Los Angeles, California, at the EAT (Engage, Adapt, Thrive) Restaurant and Food Service Summit—a dynamic and community-rooted event hosted by New Economics for Women (NEW). Designed to help food entrepreneurs navigate today’s shifting industry landscape, the summit was described by Ruth Garcia-Corrales, NEW’s Program Director, as a "celebration of the food industry and the people who make it so special.”  The summit featured hands-on workshops, candid panels, and peer-to-peer networking tailored to the needs of restaurant and food service professionals. Attendees heard from an inspiring panel of chefs, including Jonathan Perez of Macheen, a 2024 TAP client. When asked how they are responding to rising costs, Perez shared that he buys directly from farmers' market suppliers to “cut out the middle man” and build lasting, loyal relationships. Throughout the event, TAP connected with food entrepreneurs facing real challenges, rising costs, changing customer demands, and operational constraints, and offered the kind of tailored support that makes a difference. A key moment was the live presentation by TAP consultants Amy Zarin and Lillian Chung Kang. They shared actionable strategies around COGS, margin, pricing, and menu engineering, empowering entrepreneurs with tools to increase profitability and make sound business decisions. Among those who attended TAP’s session, feedback was overwhelmingly positive: 100% were satisfied, with 82% “extremely” or “very” satisfied, and 91% said they would recommend TAP. Participants shared: “It gave me insight on what I need to do.” “The detailed information presented was very helpful.”  TAP’s participation reflects our shared mission with NEW, an organization that has been breaking down systemic barriers since 1985 to spark economic mobility for women and families. Through programs in housing, education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, NEW is creating pathways to opportunity. At TAP, we support that work by providing under-resourced small business owners with expert consulting that drives long-term growth and generational wealth.  This partnership between NEW and TAP is about more than a single summit. It is about building ecosystems of support. When we uplift small food businesses, we create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and fuel sustainable economic growth.
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. Together, we can fuel small business success and build a more resilient future for all.
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  At TAP, volunteer consultants are more than just advisors. They are catalysts for economic mobility. These professionals bring a powerful mix of business acumen, lived experience, and a deep commitment to uplifting small business owners by supporting the people behind the business as they build confidence, stability, and long term success. With backgrounds in marketing, finance, business strategy, and operations, TAP consultants do not just offer guidance. They offer a partnership. While they deliver results for business owners, they also gain something equally valuable: a renewed sense of purpose, leadership development, and a powerful network of peers.  TAP’s consultant community spans 25 states and 3 countries, with professionals who speak 22 languages and represent a wide range of industries and experiences. More than one-third have owned small businesses, and many hold advanced degrees. What unites them is a shared desire to use their skills for meaningful impact. TAP assembles consultant teams based on expertise, cultural understanding, and the strategic needs of each business owner. This thoughtful approach delivers strong results and fosters deep, trust based collaboration. Our consultants are carefully selected through a rigorous application process and participate in ongoing professional development sessions throughout the year to strengthen both hard and soft skills. From branding to AI strategies, TAP equips its teams with proprietary tools and up to date insights to deliver high quality support where it matters most..  Volunteering with TAP is not only about providing advice. It is about helping small businesses become stable, confident, and ready to reinvest in their neighborhoods. When businesses thrive, they create jobs, expand services, and strengthen the local economy. Consultants describe the experience as both career building and deeply personal. Jen Gross: “TAP gave me the confidence, skills, and real-world experience to take on any challenge—I truly owe where I am now to the projects and professional development I received there. It felt like having an instant support system of brilliant women cheering me on, and I’ll carry that can-do mindset forward always.” Joan Kantor: “TAP’s consulting services are exceptional—thoughtfully designed to meet small business owners where they are and provide exactly the right support at the right time. If you’re looking to give back in a professional, high-quality environment and use your business expertise to uplift under-resourced entrepreneurs, TAP is the place for you.” Debi Coffield: "TAP is a well-structured, disciplined environment where everything is organized and clearly directed—so you can focus on doing your best work. It’s also incredibly rewarding to collaborate with committed and like-minded people." Monthly development sessions, hands on projects, and expert led learning opportunities all contribute to a resume worthy experience. Many consultants also develop leadership skills and explore new industries, bridging to the next chapter in their careers.  TAP’s work is rooted in the belief that building strong communities starts with supporting the entrepreneurs within them. By providing business owners with the tools and strategies they need to grow, TAP consultants help close persistent opportunity gaps and drive long-term economic progress. Consultants work on flexible schedules and come from all walks of life, including mid-career professionals, executives in transition, and retirees who want to stay engaged and give back. 
 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: www.theaccelerationproject.org or complete online form here Contact: [email protected]  Intro: At the Milken Institute Finance Forum in March, leaders across finance, philanthropy, and policy came together to tackle one of the biggest economic challenges of our time: how to expand opportunity and ensure small businesses can grow, thrive, and transition across generations. Jane Veron, CEO of The Acceleration Project (TAP) was among the changemakers driving these critical conversations. She left the forum more energized than ever, ready to translate insights into impact. Here, she shares key reflections from the event and how TAP is putting ideas into action.
Bringing the Work Home At The Acceleration Project, the ideas discussed at Milken aren’t theoretical; they’re already in motion. From helping business owners navigate cash flow challenges to preparing for growth and succession, TAP is doing the work that powers long-term economic resilience. On May 6th, TAP’s Spring for Small Business Benefit will celebrate this impact—bringing together donors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to continue the momentum sparked at the Finance Forum. Join Us in Fueling Economic Mobility Ready to invest in inclusive growth? Partner with TAP to ensure every small business, regardless of zip code, has a fair shot at success. Visit The Acceleration Project to learn more.
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