Business Growth Accelerator in Cleveland Empowers Entrepreneurs with TAP & KeyBank
The Acceleration Project (TAP) and KeyBank have joined forces to successfully deliver a Business Growth Accelerator in Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood, uniting 35 dedicated entrepreneurs eager to advance their businesses.
This accelerator included four workshops tailored for small business owners, each followed by two weeks of personalized coaching, and concluded with an in-person graduation event on April 17. Workshop topics ranged from branding and credit management to financial statement analysis and borrowing strategies. This thorough program supports KeyBank’s dedication to fostering small business growth and promoting economic development within local communities.
The initiative began on February 5 with a dynamic in-person session titled Position to Win: Crafting Your Brand Positioning, which laid the foundation for a series of workshops aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and unlocking their growth potential. “This partnership highlights the value of expert guidance in propelling small businesses forward,” said Jane Veron, TAP’s CEO. “Starting with brand strategy and positioning, we help business owners develop clear plans for expansion and enhanced brand awareness.”
Small businesses are vital to the U.S. economy, employing nearly half of the workforce and generating 43.5% of the GDP (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, May 2024). However, 23.2% fail within the first year, and almost half close within five years (Lending Tree, February 2025).
“We applaud the entrepreneurs who participated in the Business Growth Accelerator,” stated Aaron Arnoczky, KeyBank’s Business Banking Relationship Manager in Cleveland. “KeyBank is honored to collaborate with TAP to better understand and support these entrepreneurs’ ambitions. Their passion and our partnership have equipped these small business owners with essential tools and guidance to thrive.”
Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank and CEO of KeyBank Foundation, expressed gratitude for Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBC), the community development corporation serving Cleveland’s Central, Kinsman, and Buckeye neighborhoods. “BBC’s local outreach and deep community connections were crucial to making this program a reality,” he said. “Their efforts helped us engage the small businesses that would benefit the most, ensuring the program reached the community’s core.”
The program was highly successful, with almost all participants reporting strong satisfaction and a clearer understanding of the subjects covered. After a customized Brand Positioning Coaching Session, one entrepreneur praised her TAP consultant: “I appreciated that Karen reviewed my website and branding before our call. Her expertise and dedication to enhancing my brand really stood out.” Additional feedback from participants included:
This accelerator included four workshops tailored for small business owners, each followed by two weeks of personalized coaching, and concluded with an in-person graduation event on April 17. Workshop topics ranged from branding and credit management to financial statement analysis and borrowing strategies. This thorough program supports KeyBank’s dedication to fostering small business growth and promoting economic development within local communities.
The initiative began on February 5 with a dynamic in-person session titled Position to Win: Crafting Your Brand Positioning, which laid the foundation for a series of workshops aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and unlocking their growth potential. “This partnership highlights the value of expert guidance in propelling small businesses forward,” said Jane Veron, TAP’s CEO. “Starting with brand strategy and positioning, we help business owners develop clear plans for expansion and enhanced brand awareness.”
Small businesses are vital to the U.S. economy, employing nearly half of the workforce and generating 43.5% of the GDP (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, May 2024). However, 23.2% fail within the first year, and almost half close within five years (Lending Tree, February 2025).
“We applaud the entrepreneurs who participated in the Business Growth Accelerator,” stated Aaron Arnoczky, KeyBank’s Business Banking Relationship Manager in Cleveland. “KeyBank is honored to collaborate with TAP to better understand and support these entrepreneurs’ ambitions. Their passion and our partnership have equipped these small business owners with essential tools and guidance to thrive.”
Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank and CEO of KeyBank Foundation, expressed gratitude for Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBC), the community development corporation serving Cleveland’s Central, Kinsman, and Buckeye neighborhoods. “BBC’s local outreach and deep community connections were crucial to making this program a reality,” he said. “Their efforts helped us engage the small businesses that would benefit the most, ensuring the program reached the community’s core.”
The program was highly successful, with almost all participants reporting strong satisfaction and a clearer understanding of the subjects covered. After a customized Brand Positioning Coaching Session, one entrepreneur praised her TAP consultant: “I appreciated that Karen reviewed my website and branding before our call. Her expertise and dedication to enhancing my brand really stood out.” Additional feedback from participants included:
- “The Business Growth Accelerator had a tremendous impact, providing clarity, strategy, and confidence to grow. I learned the importance of systems and partnerships for sustainable scaling and plan to use these insights to expand my spice line nationally.”
- “Each session greatly benefited my company, from website updates to funding strategies. I’m very satisfied with the program content.”
- “The workshops gave us a solid foundation, and the one-on-one mentoring was highly focused and personalized, which was deeply appreciated.”
TAP’s efforts are supported by funders and strategic partners who are essential in sustaining its mission, fueling innovative programs, and strengthening the infrastructure necessary for growth. Through these collaborations, TAP ensures that small businesses do more than survive—they flourish, contributing to economic vitality and lasting prosperity.
Contact Amy Berardi by clicking here to know more about TAP’s efforts in transforming small businesses and strengthening communities.
Click here to know more about KeyBank’s opportunities and programs for your small business.
Contact Amy Berardi by clicking here to know more about TAP’s efforts in transforming small businesses and strengthening communities.
Click here to know more about KeyBank’s opportunities and programs for your small business.
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