NEW YORK, NY — 03/23/26
Ascendus, a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is encouraging its small business clients across New York City and Westchester County to apply for EDGE (Economic Development & Growth for Entrepreneurs) — a free financial health coaching program created and delivered by The Acceleration Project (TAP), with support from the Citi Foundation.
EDGE is TAP’s program. Ascendus is joining as a community partner — amplifying the opportunity through its borrower network because the program’s focus on financial health coaching aligns directly with Ascendus’s own mission to empower underserved small business owners with the tools they need to thrive.
“Our role here is straightforward: TAP and the Citi Foundation built something genuinely valuable, and our clients deserve to know it exists. Financial coaching is central to what we believe in at Ascendus. When a program this strong comes along, we want to open the door to our clients.”
[Paul Quintero – CEO] · Ascendus
The EDGE program uses the Financial Health Network’s FinHealth Score® framework to help participants strengthen both their personal and business financial health through hands-on group coaching, 1:1 expert sessions, and peer learning. Participants also have a chance to win part of a $10,000 cash award pool.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
“We’re grateful for Ascendus’s partnership in availing this opportunity to their small business communities in NYC and Westchester County. Their commitment to financial health coaching makes them a natural ally in getting EDGE to the businesses that can benefit most.”
[Jane Veron – Co-Founder & CEO] · The Acceleration Project
To apply, visit theaccelerationproject.org/tap-edge. For program questions, contact TAP directly at [email protected].
ABOUT EDGE
EDGE (Economic Development & Growth for Entrepreneurs) is a free small business financial health coaching program developed and led by The Acceleration Project (TAP), with support from the Citi Foundation. Open to small business owners in New York City and Westchester County. Learn more at theaccelerationproject.org/tap-edge.
ABOUT THE ACCELERATION PROJECT (TAP)
The Acceleration Project is a nonprofit organization that provides expert business coaching and resources to small business owners, with a focus on underserved communities. Learn more at theaccelerationproject.org.
ABOUT ASCENDUS
Ascendus is a national CDFI headquartered in New York City. We provide microloans and financial education to underserved small business owners — primarily people of color, women, and immigrants — to create economic opportunity and lasting financial mobility. Learn more at ascendus.org.
ABOUT THE CITI FOUNDATION
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities. Learn more at citifoundation.com.
MEDIA CONTACT — ASCENDUS
Gustavo Banchero
Director of Communications · Ascendus
[email protected] · 646.506.4790