TAP consultants speak 23 languages, and fifteen percent speak Spanish. We've served 5% of our clients in Spanish. So, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we bring you some TAP team members, talking about their work. Watch and share the video below. #hispanicheritagemonth #consultant #consulting #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner

It's Fall. The leaves are turning. Days are getting shorter. As for us, here at The Acceleration Project, we're falling for small! Welcome to our annual Fall for Small Business® series.

Over the next month we'll bring you stories of our amazing clients. To get started, read about about Legacy Volleyball, Pabade Bakery & Cafe, and Jade Garden Design in New York. We'll bring you stories about our consultants, too. They'll share what they love about working at TAP.
​
In the comments below, let us know what you love about the fall, and why you Fall for Small Business.® 

By Elizabeth Bushaw

Joel Sanchez vividly remembers the day he realized the world was not a level playing field. He was 14, and wanted to join a volleyball team, but his family didn’t have the money to cover the costs. In fact, there was an eviction notice on the door of their apartment in the Bronx, NY. He looked at the notice, and vowed, in that moment, to create an organization tailored to people like him. He wanted any kid to be able to play volleyball, no matter how much money they had. The idea for Legacy Volleyball Club was born. 

Located in the Bronx and incorporated in 2011, Legacy Volleyball Club is a non-profit youth empowerment organization. By providing year-round volleyball training and youth programs for ages 5-21, Legacy helps kids achieve their athletic, social, and academic goals. 

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we’re focusing on Legacy Volleyball, and its involvement with the Hispanic community. We're also kicking off TAP's Fall for Small Business® series, where we feature stories of TAP's remarkable clients. 

“Our business’ commitment to inclusivity and accessibility truly resonates with the Hispanic community, especially considering the challenges often faced in accessing services like ours,” says Joel. “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.”

Joel’s collaboration with TAP was driven by a desire to learn, evolve, and transform Legacy into a more agile, efficient, and strategically oriented entity. TAP consultants Marijose Betant, Erin Keys, and Karen Saravia were able to provide Legacy with new and efficient ideas to improve work processes. They also facilitated communication with Legacy’s board of directors, creating a stronger, more focused team. Natalia Alarcon, Director of External Relations and Service Delivery, oversaw the project.

Finally, TAP helped Legacy plan for the future. According to Joel, “We work better, our teamwork is stronger, and we’re ready for whatever comes our way.”

Each member of the TAP team contributed to the overall success of the partnership. “I think this was a great project where each consultant brought a deep understanding of their subject,” says TAP consultant Karen Saravia. “As a result, the value for the client was deep and focused, and the peer learning was invaluable.” 

“Legacy Volleyball is an organization that cares about the whole student-athlete,” adds Natalia. “They are committed to their social, educational, and athletic development. Joel is committed to his work and to Legacy’s success. He was a model client, always willing to learn and open to suggestions. We provided him with actionable strategies to improve Legacy as an organization while maintaining its core brand values. It was a pleasure working with someone as professional as he is.

​“Our story highlights not only our commitment to making services affordable and available, but also our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment,” Joel says. “Through our actions, we aim to demonstrate that representation matters and that our business is truly a place where the Hispanic community can thrive.”
#hispanicheritagemonth #hispanicbusinessowner #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #fallforsmallbusiness

By Elizabeth Bushaw
Like most restaurants, Pabade Bakery & Cafe faced challenges during the COVID 19 pandemic. The Carvajal siblings — Yolfer, Dahyanna, and Donny —had launched their business as a wholesale bakery in 2016. Then in 2019, the trio opened a café on East 110th St. and Lexington in East Harlem. Then in 2020, the world shut down. 

When they eventually reopened, their business felt uncertain. Sales had taken a hit, operational expenses were high, and employee recruitment was challenging. Fortunately, the Carvajal siblings had TAP on their team. 

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, we’re highlighting Pabade’s story. Consultants Nurit Praeger, Sabrina Silva, and Amy Lai provided guidance on increasing sales as well as marketing strategies. Claudia Uribe, Chief Program Officer oversaw the project.

“TAP helped us with suggestions on how to diversify our products and provided marketing tips that eventually brought more exposure to our brand,” says Dahyanna.

Born in Venezuela and raised in Colombia, the siblings were determined to keep their commitment to using the best ingredients. They wanted their products to be fresh and represent the best of fusing French pastry techniques and Venezuelan baked goods. With TAP’s help, Pabade Bakery expanded its product line to offer lunch options and implemented delivery services to further maximize sales. 

“We learned that we have to be very open to ideas that can help your business succeed,” says Dahyanna. “We need to have a ‘think-out-of-the-box’ mentality and be as creative and confident as we can when making decisions that will help us achieve our goals.”

Pabade not only survived Covid, but came back stronger than ever. They hired more employees and increased revenue and profitability. And so, the Pabade story is just one of many clients we're featuring during TAP's Fall for Small Business® series.

​“The Carvajal siblings’ grit, commitment to excellence and willingness to go the extra mile to make their business succeed is contagious,” says Natalia Alarcon, TAP’s Director of External Relations and Service Delivery. “At TAP we are very proud of Pabade Bakery and Cafe’s success and celebrate their continuous growth.” 
​#hispanicheritagemonth #smallbusiness #food #fallforsmallbusiness

PRESS RELEASE:
Jane Veron, CEO and Co-founder of The Acceleration Project (TAP), Appointed to the SBA Investment Capital Advisory Committee
September 6, 2023 Scarsdale, NY – Former Mayor of Scarsdale Jane Veron joins a new federal committee aimed at fostering the success of small businesses across the United States. The new Investment Capital Advisory Committee (ICAC) is now part of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the leading advocate for America's 33 million small businesses. This committee will play a crucial role in enhancing access to investment capital for small businesses and startups across the nation.

Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA, appointed Jane Veron to the 14-member ICAC. Veron is the CEO and co-founder of The Acceleration Project (TAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering under-resourced small business owners and accelerating their success. TAP is creating a more equitable and inclusive economy by providing advisory services to under-resourced small business owners across the country. Since co-founding TAP in 2012, Veron has grown the organization to nearly 200 consultants who serve thousands of small business owners annually. TAP’s areas of expertise include finance, operations, strategy, marketing, and support throughout the entire capital lifecycle.

In addition to her leadership of TAP, Veron’s commitment to public service led her to serve as Mayor of Scarsdale, New York from March 2021 to March 2023. She is the President of EJA Industries, a holding company for middle market private equity investments. Previously, Veron worked in strategy and marketing at Bain & Company and American Express.

In announcing the formation of the new committee, Isabella Casillas Guzman wrote: "The launch of SBA’s inaugural Investment Capital Advisory Committee with its distinguished membership will serve as a critical resource to the Biden-Harris Administration as we strengthen our policies and programs to foster a more inclusive investment ecosystem," said Administrator Guzman. "ICAC's insights and recommendations will help the SBA expand access to investment capital, increase public awareness of SBA resources, and identify and fill capital gaps facing small businesses and the fund managers seeking to support them."

“I’m honored to serve on the ICAC and am committed to furthering the committee's goals,” Jane Veron remarked. “At TAP, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive change. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to advance the interests of small businesses and startups across the nation."

The ICAC, composed of diverse experts with extensive backgrounds in the U.S. private investment industry, is dedicated to advancing the mission of promoting, expanding, and fortifying the ecosystem of private funds that finance U.S. small businesses and startups. By doing so, it aims to facilitate funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners in traditionally underserved communities, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.

Contact: Rebecca Shalam, The Acceleration Project, RebeccaS@theaccelerationproject.org
###
About The Acceleration Project (TAP): The Acceleration Project (TAP) is a non-profit that accelerates small business growth. Our business consulting services empower under-resourced entrepreneurs in order to create a more inclusive economy. TAP leverages its network of financial institutions, CDFIs, economic development agencies and corporate partners to get to scale and ensure sustainability of our work. TAP’s innovative model channels underutilized talent into the economy by recruiting and cultivating a diverse consultant team that commits their time, expertise, and mentoring skills to advance TAP’s mission. Learn more at theaccelerationproject.org

Shelly Flash and Souha Alameddine say working together is inspiring. Shelly is a TAP client, and the owner of 2 Girls & a Cookshop. Souha is a TAP consultant. Together, they've tackled some of Shelly's business challenges, and along the way, they've developed an enduring friendship. So for our second feature for National Black Business Month, we bring you Shelly and Souha, in their own words. Watch the video below. 

​

Marleen Julien was born in Haiti and grew up speaking Haitian Creole. Fifteen years ago, she turned her native tongue into a business opportunity. Creole Solutions now works with corporate and non-profit clients in the healthcare, legal, education, technology and insurance industries.​ 

August is National Black Business Month, so we are highlighting Creole Solutions and its commitment to raising the standards of Haitian Creole translation services in the U.S. and Canada. The company is also focused on creating business opportunities for Haitians. Haitian Creole is a Creole language with French influence, resulting from a fusion of French, and African and Indigenous languages. 

Marleen was introduced to TAP through the Chase for Business® Curated Coaching program, powered by TAP. After participating in her coaching session, she realized she needed more guidance in multiple areas, including marketing, finance, and technology, so she signed up for a TAP Boot Camp.

TAP consultants Carol Campili and Shannon Connell focused on three areas.

First, Carol and Shannon worked with Marleen to understand her financial data and know what metrics to use to manage her projects and customers. Based on the data, they analyzed Creole’s profit margins and pricing by client. They recommended that Marleen increase her prices for projects that were not generating desired profit margins.

According to Marleen, “I used to feel like I should have made (more) money in a month because I was working a lot. Now I know exactly how it happens.”
​
Second, TAP helped Marleen identify best practices for developing a social media marketing plan. Marleen used this feedback to create a marketing strategy and be more intentional about her social media posts.

Third, Carol and Shannon shared best practices on customer service and how to present Creole Solutions to potential partners and clients. Marleen says she is now successfully targeting and converting prospects into clients.

“She was a very eager learner and put our recommendations into place!” says Carol. And the results are clear. “Creole Solutions quarter sales doubled over last year, and net income more than doubled over last year. Employees (subcontractors) increased by 33%, and new direct clients (a goal we put in the action plan) have significantly increased.”  

Marleen credits her work with TAP in aiding her acceptance into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program for entrepreneurs, as well as Beyonce's BeyGOOD Small Business Impact program.

And best of all? Marleen says she and her husband were able to take a long-planned vacation to Egypt. Now that translates to serious success!
#smallbusiness #smallbusinesowners #womeninbusiness #entrepreneurs #​National Black Business Month #blackbusinessowners

To apply for this position: Please send your resume, cover letter and up to three work references to Molly Ardalan (mollya@theaccelerationproject.org) with ‘Director of Development’ in the subject line. Your cover letter should explain why you believe you are best suited for this position at The Acceleration Project.

TAP Job Description 
Founded in 2012, The Acceleration Project (TAP) is laser-focused on supporting underserved small business owners and narrowing existing equity gaps based on race and gender. Our mission is to empower under-resourced small business owners and accelerate their success by providing impactful, customized strategic and tactical advice. The demand for our services continues to grow, and we are expanding nationally to meet this need. TAP is seeking a Director of Development who will join us at this exciting and pivotal time to help us generate the funding necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of our organization.

TAP supports under-resourced, high-potential small businesses, with a focus on those owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged communities. We work one-on-one with individual businesses to provide tools and resources that create financial stability and accelerate growth. We also produce scalable programs that can be delivered through webinars, workshops and microsites. Our lean staff unlocks the power of an exceptional team of pro-bono consultants who seek to use their professional skills to make a meaningful impact. Together, they provide expertise across a variety of functions, including financial analysis, marketing, strategic planning, operations and e-commerce enablement. As a 501(c)(3), we rely on fundraising to underwrite the cost of providing services and keep them accessible to all.

Position Summary: TAP seeks a Director of Development responsible for the execution of a strategic development plan to generate revenue from a variety of funding sources, including corporate, government and foundation grants and sponsorships, advisory board activities, events, and individual giving. The Director will work in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, leadership team and board members to identify and cultivate major donor and sponsor relationships and secure support for the organization. The Director will forge ties with corporate, philanthropic and family foundations to secure long term multi-year funding, building capacity as well as programming. Additionally, the Director will work with other team members to identify and execute on funding opportunities to support new and existing initiatives, including our Annual Appeal and Spring Benefit. The Director will work collaboratively with the CEO and Leadership Team to evaluate TAP’s operational strategy and goals, adjusting development initiatives as needed to support those goals. This paid position is full-time, partially remote, with an expectation of 40 hours/week, with day-to-day flexibility. This individual will also be asked to attend in-person meetings in Westchester County, New York as well as in-person meetings with potential funders.

To apply for this position: Please send your resume, cover letter and up to three work references to Molly Ardalan (mollya@theaccelerationproject.org) with ‘Director of Development’ in the subject line. Your cover letter should explain why you believe you are best suited for this position at The Acceleration Project.

Responsibilities:
●      Execute strategic development plan to meet short and long term fundraising goals.
●      In collaboration with the CEO and leadership, develop donor strategy for all fundraising efforts including the annual appeal campaign, the annual benefit, and other related events. Collaborate with the team for execution.
●      Identify, develop and sustain new and existing relationships with key partners, foundations, sponsors and donors to achieve annual revenue targets.
●      Partner with the CEO to develop and maintain relationships, assisting with communications, meeting preparation and follow up.
●      Utilize Salesforce database for prospect management and reporting.
Skills and Qualifications:
●      Significant experience in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, foundations, and corporate entities.
●      Understanding of grant landscape and experience applying for and procuring government and foundation funds.
●      Ability to inspire, motivate and manage part-time and volunteer development team members.
●      Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors to meet the organization's fundraising goals.
●      Demonstrated flexibility, self-motivation, attention to detail, and organization, as well as a proven record of successfully managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
●      Entrepreneurial, creative and innovative.
●      A team player, willing to take on whatever tasks are needed to reach a goal.
●      Embraces and models the collaborative, positive culture that is the hallmark of TAP.
●      Able to thrive and learn in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing organizational priorities.

Requirements:
●      Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from an accredited college/university; MBA, MA/MS in Nonprofit Management, or other advanced degree a plus but not required
●      Minimum of 4-7 years of overall development work experience, which should include fundraising and/or business development, marketing and communications
●      Excellent written and oral communication skills
●      Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Drive
●      Familiar with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)
●      Able and willing to participate in periodic events outside traditional work hours
●      Understanding that at times Development Director might be called upon to support other TAP activities given small staff size and high growth environment
●      Demonstrated belief in TAP’s mission and values

Compensation:
●      $85,000 - $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience; potential for bonus
●      Healthcare and generous PTO

Work Environment:
This paid position is full-time, partially remote, with an expectation of 40 hours/week, with day-to-day flexibility. This individual will also be asked to attend in-person meetings in Westchester County, NY as well as in-person meetings with potential funders. TAP promotes a culture that affords flexibility and calendar control.
​
TAP is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
​