Founder Forward

A Message from Our Executive Director I hope you’re having a relaxing end of summer, filled with the moments that make life sweet. Here at Founder Forward we’ve spent the summer creating spaces for connection, learning, and collaboration. The founder journey is deeply rewarding, but it can also be isolating. Our goal is for Founder Forward to be the place founders turn to when they need the motivation to keep building. One way we nurture that connection is through our weekly co-working...

A Message from Our Executive Director At the start of 2025, we shared The Founder Forward Way: 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which lays out our vision for Founder Forward and reaffirms our commitment to serving non-dominant markets. In alignment with the goals set in our strategic plan - to build a multi-city, interconnected network that transforms the entrepreneurial ecosystem - we are focusing this year on supporting founders in the Bronx, Newark, and Philadelphia. After a busy first quarter,...

Good news! 📣 Two donors have committed to matching donations up to $1,000 - how inspiring is that! This means more resources, more opportunities, and increased support for underrepresented founders. 💫A $50 donation becomes $100 💫A $100 donation becomes $200 💫A $250 donation becomes $500 Donate today! As we bring our End-of-Year Giving Campaign to a close, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has supported us along the way. From launching on Small Business Saturday, to piloting...

An End of Year Reflection - As we prepare for 2025, I can’t help but reflect with excitement on the work Founder Forward has done in 2024. We supported our 126th founder, gave out a total of $40,000 in unrestricted grants that were used by founders to source sustainable materials, purchase needed equipment, and update their systems, alongside facilitating 15 hours of non-prescriptive advising. On the tough days of doing economic justice work, this targeted impact keeps me motivated despite...

Don't miss out! Receive a special treat from the Bronx's first chocolate factory and Founder Forward grant recipient. Did you know that the Bronx is home to the first bean-to-bar chocolate factory run by Black chocolatiers? In an industry where Black chocolatiers are so rare you can count them on one hand worldwide, three brothers are writing their own chapter in chocolate-making history. Meet Daniel Maloney, co-founder of Sol Cacao and his two brothers, Dominic and Nicholas. Their story...

Don't miss out! The first 50 donors over $50 will receive a special treat from the Bronx's first chocolate factory and Founder Forward grant recipient. This Giving Tuesday - Invest in founders, invest in communities. Contribute Today In 2024, Founder Forward began using the term "community centered" future to describe the future we are working towards. A future where founders are equipped to innovate, create jobs, respond to the needs of their customers, and to serve as anchors to new,...

Hello Founder Forward Community! Thank you for your continued support of Founder Forward and our mission to revolutionize the start-up ecosystem. We are eager to hear your feedback on our newsletter. Please take five minutes to complete the survey. Take Survey Keep moving forward, The Founder Forward Team Let's Team Up - On ConvertKit Would you be interested in working together to grow our networks through the recommendation feature or joining the creator network? Reply to this email. 134 E...