The Acceleration Project & Truist Foundation Collaborate to Expand EDGE, the Financial Coaching Program for Small Businesses
Rhea-AI Summary
The Acceleration Project and Truist Foundation (NYSE:TFC) are expanding TAP’s EDGE financial coaching program for under-resourced small business owners.
A Truist Foundation grant will fund a 2-year initiative serving 500 low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South New Jersey, and Philadelphia with no-cost coaching and FinHealth-based training.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
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News Market Reaction – TFC
On the day this news was published, TFC gained 1.85%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 10 | Foundation grants program | Positive | +0.7% | Truist Foundation launched AI-focused Inspire Awards with over $1M in grants. |
| Jun 09 | Business expansion | Positive | +1.2% | Grandbridge launched rated master servicing platform expanding CMBS capabilities. |
| Jun 08 | Board appointment | Positive | +1.2% | Catherine Bessant joined Truist’s board and risk committee. |
| Jun 08 | Regional leadership change | Positive | -1.0% | Lindsey Stampone named regional president for Pennsylvania and New Jersey. |
| May 27 | Debt redemption | Positive | -1.4% | Announcement to redeem $1.5B fixed-to-floating senior notes due 2027 early. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent corporate and strategic news has often seen positive price reactions for TFC, though some favorable announcements have been followed by modest declines.
Over the past few weeks, Truist (TFC) reported several corporate and capital actions. On May 27, it announced redemption of $1.5 billion senior notes, followed by leadership and board additions in early June, including Catherine Bessant’s appointment. Grandbridge, a Truist subsidiary, expanded into master servicing for CMBS, and Truist Foundation launched a new AI-focused Inspire Awards Challenge exceeding $1 million in grants. This EDGE-related community investment fits a pattern of strategic growth, capital management, and social-impact initiatives.
Key Terms
finhealth score financial
cfdIs financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Local agencies, organizations, and associations are invited to collaborate with the EDGE Program, bringing financial educational opportunities to small business communities
Through no-cost coaching, small-group sessions, and one-on-one guidance, the EDGE program provides hands-on support to help small business owners build a stronger financial foundation. It is built around the Financial Health Network's FinHealth Score® framework, focusing on 4 key pillars - spending, saving, borrowing, and planning - to help entrepreneurs build stronger financial habits, improve long-term stability, and grow their businesses with confidence. At the end of each year in the program, 25 participants will receive monetary awards to invest in their businesses and help advance their goals. EDGE began in early 2026 in
"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. We're thrilled by the support of the Truist Foundation to expand this program to more states across the
Applications to the expanded EDGE program for small business owners will open later this year. Community organizations, chambers of commerce, CFDIs, industry associations, city development agencies, nonprofits, and government entities that support the small business ecosystem are invited to join an informational session on June 24 or July 29 to learn more about the EDGE program, and how they can get involved and share the program with their own small business communities in August and September. Interested organizations can register for the June 24 session at 1:00pm ET linked here and the July 29 session at 12:00pm ET linked here.
"At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and that comes to life through partnerships like this one. 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," said Truist Philadelphia market president Jeremy Ben-Zev. "Nonprofits like TAP play an important role in expanding opportunity, and we're honored to help advance that impact."
"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."
Questions or interest in the EDGE Program can be directed to kathyk@theaccelerationproject.org. Stay up-to-date on the EDGE program and find additional coaching and educational resources at https://www.theaccelerationproject.org.
About The Acceleration Project
The Acceleration Project (TAP) is a nonprofit organization that empowers under-resourced small business owners through high-impact consulting and mentorship. TAP supports small businesses nationwide across a wide range of industries with tailored guidance spanning finance, operations, marketing, and strategy, delivered at no cost to the small business owner. TAP has supported more than 11,900 businesses nationwide, helping small business owners achieve sustainable success, strengthen their communities, and expand economic mobility.
About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation's leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truistfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
TAP@relativity.ventures
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-acceleration-project--truist-foundation-collaborate-to-expand-edge-the-financial-coaching-program-for-small-businesses-302797507.html
SOURCE The Acceleration Project