A New EDGE: Strategic Partnership Expands Financial Health for Entrepreneurs

NEW YORK, NY – June 11, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster the backbone of local economies, The Acceleration Project (TAP), a national nonprofit, today announced a major expansion of its financial coaching program for small business owners. Supported by a strategic grant from the Truist Foundation, the initiative will extend its Economic Development & Growth for Entrepreneurs (EDGE) program to 500 low to moderate-income entrepreneurs across six states. This collaboration signals a crucial shift in small business support, moving beyond traditional capital access to focus on a more fundamental driver of long-term success: financial health.

The two-year program will roll out in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South New Jersey, and Philadelphia, regions where small businesses are not just commercial entities but vital community pillars. As businesses navigate the increasingly complex 2026 landscape, this partnership underscores a growing consensus: sustainable growth is built on a foundation of sound financial habits and strategic planning, not just a line of credit.

A Strategic Bet on Financial Health

At the heart of the EDGE program is a sophisticated, data-driven methodology designed to instill lasting financial discipline. The initiative eschews a one-size-fits-all approach, instead offering a blend of no-cost, one-on-one coaching, small-group sessions, and hands-on guidance. The entire framework is built upon the Financial Health Network's respected FinHealth Score®, a tool that provides a holistic assessment of financial well-being.

This framework moves beyond simple financial literacy—the mere knowledge of concepts—to focus on financial health, which is the measurable outcome of positive financial behaviors. It evaluates participants across four key pillars: spending (managing cash flow effectively), saving (building a buffer for emergencies and opportunities), borrowing (maintaining manageable debt), and planning (preparing for future financial goals). By diagnosing strengths and weaknesses across these areas, TAP consultants can provide tailored guidance that addresses the root causes of financial instability.

"The results we've seen thus far from small business owners participating in EDGE have been outstanding," said Jane Veron, CEO and Co-founder of TAP. "The knowledge and guidance they're gaining from our consultants teaching in this program are improving their financial confidence and decision-making skills." This boost in confidence is a critical, albeit intangible, asset that empowers entrepreneurs to seize growth opportunities and navigate downturns with greater resilience. To add a tangible incentive, 25 participants will receive monetary awards each year to reinvest directly into their businesses, translating improved financial acumen into direct capital action.

The Power of Partnership in Scaling Impact

This expansion is a powerful case study in the modern architecture of social impact, where philanthropic capital and nonprofit expertise converge to create scalable solutions. The Truist Foundation, established in 2020 with a mission to build better lives and communities, identified strengthening small businesses as a core focus area. Its support for the EDGE program aligns perfectly with its goal of ensuring entrepreneurs, particularly those from minority and women-owned businesses, have equitable access to the resources needed to thrive.

"At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and that comes to life through partnerships like this one," commented Jeremy Ben-Zev, Truist's Philadelphia market president. "We're proud to support The Acceleration Project and its work to equip small business owners with the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to grow and thrive."

This model is not untested. The EDGE program first launched in early 2026 in New York City and Westchester County with support from the Citi Foundation, proving its efficacy and attracting further investment. The collaboration allows TAP, which has already provided high-impact consulting to over 11,900 businesses, to leverage its deep operational experience, while Truist Foundation provides the strategic funding necessary to reach a critical mass of entrepreneurs across a wide geographic footprint.

Targeting a Critical Economic Engine

The selection of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania is no accident. In each of these states, small businesses constitute over 99% of all business entities and are responsible for employing between 40% and 50% of the private sector workforce. They are, without exaggeration, the primary engine of job creation and economic vitality. In North Carolina, for instance, small businesses accounted for nearly 90% of net new jobs between 2023 and 2024.

However, entrepreneurs in low to moderate-income communities face disproportionate hurdles. Systemic barriers often limit their access to traditional bank loans, robust professional networks, and the specialized knowledge needed to scale operations. The EDGE program is designed to directly bridge these gaps. By providing elite-level financial strategy at no cost, it levels the playing field and addresses the core operational challenges that can stifle even the most promising ventures. The focus on financial health is particularly critical for this demographic, as strong cash flow management and strategic savings can provide the stability needed to weather economic shocks and reduce reliance on high-cost debt.

Building an Ecosystem of Support

Recognizing that impact is amplified through local networks, TAP is not simply deploying a program but fostering an ecosystem. The organization has put out a call to community organizations, chambers of commerce, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and government agencies across the target regions. Informational sessions scheduled for June 24 and July 29 will detail how these local entities can partner to connect the EDGE program with the entrepreneurs who need it most.

This collaborative approach ensures the program is integrated into the existing fabric of local business communities, increasing its reach and relevance. The value of this expert guidance is already being recognized by participants. "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," said Lee Hogans, owner of WiLeeHo Music. "TAP continues to impress me by offering invaluable information through its consultants."

As applications for the expanded program prepare to open later this year, this initiative represents a forward-thinking investment in the resilience and dynamism of America's small business economy.