 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 Fletehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alvinflete/ 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 Veronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/janeveron/ , 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.
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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.  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
 On April 10, TAP participated in the SEC Small Business Forum in Washington, D.C., where we submitted policy recommendations based on our direct work with over 11,000 under-resourced business owners. Most of these entrepreneurs generate under 1 million USD in annual revenue and face significant challenges when trying to access capital or build long-term wealth. Our recommendations focused on three key areas:
 It’s Nola is a snack company based in Brooklyn, founded by Margaret Barrow in 2018, offering healthy granola bites primarily through B2B channels with a growing online presence. Margaret partnered with TAP to deepen her financial knowledge and strengthen her foundation for growth. She participated in a TAP deep dive on loan readiness, with a focus on the 5 Cs of credit, projected cash flow, and marketing strategies to drive sales and ensure loan repayment capacity. TAP consultants also worked with Margaret one on one to uncover discrepancies in her profit and loss statements, giving her a clearer view of her current financial position. She received custom P&L projection templates to use with her accountant, helping her assess the sustainability of her business. We also introduced her to TAP’s educational webinars to better understand financing options available to It’s Nola. “I am so excited about the templates and tools as all of them are useful and help me to create a set of processes that I can use on a continual basis. They are specifically designed for me to create a better organized understanding of my finances so that I can make informed decisions about moving the company forward.” Margaret’s journey reflects what happens when financial literacy is paired with practical tools and trusted guidance. Her business is now positioned for more informed decisions, smarter growth, and long term resilience.  Financial literacy is not a luxury or a nice to have, it is a must. When business owners understand how to manage costs, track margins, and prepare for growth, they are able to build stability for their families and create positive ripple effects in their communities.
At TAP, we are proud to deliver financial education in ways that are actionable, accessible, and tailored to each entrepreneur’s needs. Whether through one-on-one consulting or national policy advocacy, our goal is the same, to equip small business owners with the tools to thrive. If you are a small business owner and want to strengthen your financial foundation, visit theaccelerationproject.org to learn more about our services. To request a free one-on-one consultation, please fill out this form.   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.   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] |
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