Forward Recognized in The 23rd Annual American Business Awards®

April 24, 2025 | Company News

April 24, 2025 – Forward Financing was named the winner of two Silver Stevie® Awards in The 23rd American Business Awards®: Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Service Department of the Year. This marks the fifth consecutive year Forward has received multiple Stevie® recognitions.

The American Business Awards are the US’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the United States are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be recognized for our efforts across both of these categories,” said Shannon Braley, Chief People Officer at Forward. “Delivering exceptional service and customer care, and making a positive impact in our communities, are at the heart of everything we do. These awards reflect the dedication, compassion, and drive of our entire team.”

Since early 2023, Forward has introduced a number of improvements aimed at enhancing the customer experience. These updates have helped create smoother interactions, faster resolutions, and higher overall satisfaction.

One such improvement was the launch of a Proactive Disaster Response Process. Designed to assist customers affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires, the process provides clear internal guidance, ensuring timely and supportive outreach during difficult times.

Another key change was the extension of customer support hours—from 6 PM to 8 PM EST, Monday through Friday–making it easier for customers to get the help they need, when they need it most.

Forward has also continued to strengthen its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Forward updated its volunteer benefit to allow employees to support causes that matter most to them–whether through company-sponsored activities or in their own communities. This change empowers team members to deepen their personal engagement and extend the company’s impact beyond its core programs.

Throughout the year, there are numerous volunteer opportunities and organized ways for the team to give back, including a donation match, in which Forward matches up to $1,000 per employee per year. Other unique examples of Forward giving back include providing donation gift cards and planning volunteer events during new hire onboarding, partnering with nonprofits for company events, and hosting internal giving campaigns.

Last, but certainly not least, Forward has continued its partnership with the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), a Boston-based nonprofit, to offer tuition-free education programs to its small business customers.

More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

“Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all of the winners in the 2025 ABAs and look forward to celebrating their achievements during our June 10 gala event in New York.”

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2025 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

About Forward Financing

Forward Financing is a financial technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts with an operational hub in Santiago, Dominican Republic, on a mission to unlock the capital that fuels small businesses across America. Whether facing challenges accessing traditional financing or simply needing a convenient, flexible solution, Forward is committed to funding more of the millions of small businesses nationwide. Forward offers revenue-based financing – delivering an upfront sum of working capital in exchange for a set amount of the business’s future revenue. By simplifying the requirements, streamlining the process, and using advanced proprietary technology, Forward is often able to deliver approvals within hours and funds that same day — giving more businesses the financial opportunity they need to thrive. Plus, with their dedicated teams and award-winning service, customers get personalized support when they need it most.

Since 2012, Forward has expanded access to capital by providing over $3.5 billion in funding to more than 71,000 small businesses. The company is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau with an Excellent / 4.7 stars rating on Trustpilot.com. Recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In Boston and certified as a Great Place To Work®, Forward is dedicated to empowering both its team and the customers they serve, helping them succeed and thrive.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.