#United States #New York #Truist Foundation #EDGE Program #Acceleration Project

Collaboration for Empowerment: EDGE Program Expansion

In an ambitious move to foster economic growth among small businesses, the Acceleration Project (TAP) has partnered with the Truist Foundation to expand their EDGE (Economic Development Growth for Entrepreneurs) program. This initiative is designed to empower under-resourced small business owners by providing them with essential financial education and consulting services.

A Mission to Empower

Founded with the goal to support entrepreneurs who lack access to adequate resources, TAP offers high-impact consulting and mentorship aimed at enhancing the financial health of small businesses. With the support of the Truist Foundation, which recently awarded TAP a significant grant, this program now has the potential to reach over 500 low to moderate-income business owners across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

The EDGE program, which officially kicked off in early 2026 in New York City and Westchester County, aims to equip small business owners with vital knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the often intimidating landscape of financial management. TAP emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing services like no-cost coaching, small-group sessions, and individualized guidance tailored specifically for the participants’ needs.

Key Focus Areas

The structure of the EDGE program hinges on the Financial Health Network's FinHealth Score® framework, which concentrates on four main pillars: spending, saving, borrowing, and planning. By focusing on these essential areas, participants are guided in cultivating better financial habits that not only boost their immediate stability but also lay the groundwork for sustained growth and success in the future.

Each year, to incentivize progress, 25 program participants will be eligible for monetary awards that can be reinvested into their businesses. This funding can be crucial for entrepreneurs looking to advance their operations, whether it be through expanding their inventory, enhancing marketing efforts, or improving overall infrastructure.

Positive Feedback from Participants

Initial responses from small business owners engaged in the EDGE program have been overwhelmingly positive. Jane Veron, CEO, and Co-founder of TAP, expressed her excitement about the program's impact, stating, “The results we've seen thus far from small business owners participating in EDGE have been outstanding. The knowledge and guidance they're gaining from our consultants are improving their financial confidence and decision-making skills.”

Business owners like Lee Hogans, founder of WiLeeHo Music, have reported transformative experiences thanks to the structured support provided by TAP. “Edge may have been the most organized and well-thought-out 1-on-1 I've had with TAP. My consultant was extremely helpful and professional,” Hogans noted, reinforcing the program's efficacy.

Invitation to Community Organizations

As part of this expansion effort, TAP is actively seeking collaborations with local organizations, chambers of commerce, and various stakeholders in the small business ecosystem. Upcoming informational sessions set for June 24 and July 29 will allow organizations to learn more about the EDGE program and explore how they can assist in promoting this initiative within their communities. Interested entities can register for these sessions through TAP's official communication channels.

The Truist Foundation’s involvement exemplifies its commitment to nurturing better lives and communities. As Jeremy Ben-Zev, Truist Philadelphia market president, articulated, “We’re honored to help advance that impact.” Such sentiments underscore the collaborative spirit that stands at the heart of these initiatives.

For small business owners looking to enhance their financial acumen, the EDGE program represents a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights and guidance, paving the way toward not just survival but thriving in today’s competitive market.

For more information or to stay updated about the EDGE program, interested parties can visit the TAP website or contact them directly with any inquiries.

About The Acceleration Project

TAP has a long-standing history of supporting small businesses, having assisted over 11,900 nationwide through tailored consulting that spans finance, operations, marketing, and strategy—all provided at no cost. This commitment to fostering economic mobility and community strength is what drives TAP's mission forward.

About Truist Foundation

Supporting initiatives that align with their purpose, the Truist Foundation invests strategically in various nonprofit organizations focused on economic mobility and the sustainability of small businesses. Through partnerships like this, they aim to ensure communities have the means to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.