The program kicked off last month with an in-person session on brand positioning, setting the foundation for a four-part workshop series on financial literacy, credit management, and borrowing essentials. These workshops provide participants with a structured framework to assess their businesses, identify growth opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward expansion. Each session is followed by one-on-one coaching, allowing business owners to gain tailored insights and apply strategies directly to their unique business challenges.

KeyBank’s support is instrumental in making this initiative possible, reinforcing its commitment to economic development and small business empowerment. Through this partnership, TAP and KeyBank are providing entrepreneurs with the practical tools and financial expertise needed to navigate challenges, build sustainable businesses, and drive community-wide economic growth.

The program is already delivering measurable results. Nearly 100% of participants have reported greater confidence in their brand strategy, with many noting that the program has given them a clearer vision and actionable steps for long-term success. One business owner shared, “I love that my TAP consultant reviewed my site before our call. Her insights were spot on, and her recommendations were exactly what I needed.”

Beyond individual success stories, the ripple effect of this initiative is significant. Stronger businesses lead to more jobs, greater economic stability, and revitalized local communities. The Business Growth Accelerator is not just about individual entrepreneurs—it’s about fostering an ecosystem of growth that benefits entire neighborhoods.

With a graduation event on April 17, participants will walk away with stronger business strategies, improved financial literacy, and a roadmap for sustainable expansion. This milestone will celebrate their progress and highlight the power of continued education and mentorship in driving small business success.

TAP’s work is fueled by forward-thinking partners who believe in the power of small business to transform communities. By investing in entrepreneurs, organizations like KeyBank are helping to build a more resilient and prosperous future for all.

If your organization is interested in making a meaningful impact, explore opportunities to partner with TAP. Together, we can create more opportunities, empower business owners, and strengthen local economies.

Visit The Acceleration Project to learn more about how you can support small business growth.

At The Acceleration Project (TAP), our volunteer consultants are the backbone of our mission to empower small business owners with expert guidance and strategic solutions. These professionals, bringing deep expertise in finance, marketing, operations, and business strategy, dedicate their time to helping entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, increase revenue, and build sustainable business growth.

TAP’s consulting services provide invaluable support to small business owners who may lack access to traditional advisory services. Through hands-on mentorship and tailored strategies, TAP consultants help entrepreneurs streamline operations, optimize financial management, and strengthen their market presence, among other topics.​

In this feature, we highlight TAP’s talented consultants who are making a difference and showcase insights from the TAP Consultants & Client at Work video, where they share their experiences working with small businesses.

TAP consultants are a community of like-minded, mission-driven individuals. They are trained using TAP’s proprietary, research-backed set of tools on the small business owner mindset and cultural competency, complementing their deep industry knowledge and functional expertise from their roles as former small business owners, Fortune 500 employees, and community leaders. They bring years of experience in fields such as: ​

• Finance and Cash Flow Management – Helping businesses improve profitability, secure funding, and optimize expenses.
• Marketing and Branding – Guiding small business owners on digital marketing, customer acquisition, and brand visibility.
• Operations and Efficiency – Streamlining processes and introducing best practices for business scalability.
• Strategic Planning – Assisting entrepreneurs in long-term growth strategies to build sustainable success.

One of the biggest reasons small businesses fail is poor cash flow management. Without enough working capital, even a profitable business can struggle to cover expenses like rent, payroll, and inventory. ​

How to Improve Cash Flow:

• Monitor Finances Regularly – Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to track income and expenses in real time.
• Optimize Invoicing – Implement digital invoicing systems and offer multiple payment options to get paid faster.
• Control Expenses – Audit your expenses to eliminate unnecessary costs and negotiate better terms with suppliers.
• Establish a Financial Cushion – Build an emergency fund with at least three to six months of operating expenses.

TAP has helped business owners implement interactive cash flow management tools in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, ensuring they have the financial insights needed to make informed decisions.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.