NEW YORK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / March 24, 2026 / EDGE — a program developed and led by The Acceleration Project (TAP) with support from the Citi Foundation — offers free coaching, expert guidance, and a $10,000 award pool to entrepreneurs in NYC and Westchester County. Ascendus is proud to help spread the word.

NEW YORK, NY — 03/20/2026

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

• Developed and led by The Acceleration Project (TAP)
• Supported by the Citi Foundation
• 100% free for eligible participants — no fees, no hidden costs
• Hands-on coaching covering personal and business financial health
• 1:1 sessions with subject matter experts
• Peer learning cohorts for shared growth and accountability
• FinHealth Score® framework by the Financial Health Network
• $10,000 cash award pool for participating businesses
• Open to NYC and Westchester County small business owners
• Rolling applications — first come, first served

"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 TAP.edge@theaccelerationproject.org.