#United States #New York #Citi Foundation #EDGE Program #The Acceleration Project

Launch of EDGE: Empowering Small Businesses

In a transformative collaboration, The Acceleration Project (TAP) has teamed up with the Citi Foundation to introduce a crucial new initiative aimed at small businesses: the Economic Development and Growth for Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Program. This initiative seeks to address the pressing financial challenges faced by low to moderate-income business owners throughout New York City and Westchester County. The program was officially launched on April 8, 2026, and is generating significant interest and participation.

The EDGE Program is structured to run over eight months, providing an array of financial coaching services at no cost to participants. By offering group sessions and personalized guidance, the initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs develop better financial habits, thereby enhancing both their personal and business financial health. By focusing on key areas such as spending, saving, borrowing, and planning, the program is aligned with the Financial Health Network's FinHealth Score® framework. This framework offers a robust method for helping small business owners foster stronger financial management skills.

Jane Veron, CEO and Co-founder of TAP, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Small business owners are integral to our communities and economy, yet many lack access to essential resources that can catalyze their growth. The EDGE Program offers these entrepreneurs the chance to gain confidence in their financial decision-making.” Veron emphasized the program's unique structure, which consists of four core modules aimed at guiding participants through crucial aspects of their financial lives.

Support from the Citi Foundation has been pivotal for the implementation of EDGE. Under the 2025 Community Finance Initiative, which aims to provide financial coaching and counseling through community organizations, the Citi Foundation identified TAP as a vital partner. Charlotte Gauthier, Senior Program Officer at the Citi Foundation, remarked on the synergy between their goals, saying, “This collaboration is a natural fit as we both aim to uplift under-resourced small business owners.”

Since its launch, the EDGE Program has attracted over 200 small business owners eager to refine their financial acumen. Participants include a diverse range of industries, showcasing the program's broad appeal. The program continues to accept applications on a rolling basis, ensuring that more business owners can benefit from this invaluable resource.

Among the participants is Joel Castillo, owner of Castillo Iron Works Inc. in the Bronx, who highlighted the positive impact the EDGE Program has had on his business: “My TAP consultant was outstanding. She helped me identify new perspectives and shared practical recommendations that improved my operational efficiency. The insights I’ve gained are incredibly beneficial.”

Upon program completion, 25 to 40 participants will have the chance to receive monetary awards, designed to further their business development goals. Eligibility for these awards is contingent upon the completion of all four modules and demonstrable progress in enhancing financial behaviors as part of the program’s milestones. Participants will also submit an EDGE Finalist Impact Story detailing their experiences throughout the program, with awards being allocated based on participation, feedback, and submission quality.

Small business owners interested in leveraging the resources of the EDGE Program can find further information and apply through the official TAP website. This initiative not only offers essential coaching but also serves as a beacon of hope for many entrepreneurs striving for economic mobility. Since its inception in 2012, The Acceleration Project has helped over 11,000 businesses strengthen their operations, enabling them to create job opportunities and contribute positively to their communities.

For more details on the EDGE Program and other supportive offerings by TAP, visit The Acceleration Project. Together, TAP and Citi Foundation are pioneering a supportive framework for the future growth of small businesses, ensuring they thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.