Founder Forward

As we step into 2026, we’re carrying forward the lessons we've learned. Last year reinforced something we’ve long known: economic justice work is rarely linear. It requires showing up consistently and creating structures that founders can rely on long after a single program or moment has passed. In 2025, we focused on doing exactly that. We launched our Volunteer Advisory Network - strengthening the infrastructure behind our work. Through our founder community platform, hosted by Circle,...

A Message from Our Team Despite the challenges inherent in doing economic justice work, this year we stuck to our mantra: Keep Moving Forward. For the past ten years, we’ve remained committed to this work because we believe deeply in the power of founders to drive meaningful change. Too often, world-changing ideas are stalled by a lack of capital, trusted advising, or access to catalytic networks. Founder Forward exists to remove barriers and champion bold, community-centered founders. As we...

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,...