Founder Forward

We're grateful you're part of this community. Your support can still help community-focused founders like Marcellis grow. Our founder network often tells us what sets us apart is that we show up consistently, year after year. That’s only possible because of supporters like you who believe in redistributing economic power. Invest in Founders today! If you were told you could buy a plot of land for $1, what would you build? Marcellis Counts, a multi-generational Newark resident, saw opportunity...

Donate now! If you were told you could buy a plot of land for $1, what would you build? Marcellis Counts, a multi-generational Newark resident, saw opportunity where others saw challenge. Through Newark’s Adopt-a-Lot program, he’s transforming vacant lots into thriving urban apiaries that bring bees, green spaces, and healing to communities impacted by environmental injustice. His company, Apiary in the Sky, goes beyond honey production by: 🐝Converting debris-filled lots into productive green...

As you enjoy dining at your favorite local spots and supporting your favorite community-centered bookstore, we hope you’ll take a moment to visit the Founder Forward online store and pick up a tote. Founder Forward works with local businesses year-round to provide the capital, resources, and networks founders need to be community pillars and job creators. Your support goes a long way in sustaining this work. Founders need your commitment more than ever. Join us in transforming the...

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...