Celebrating Togetherness: Forward’s Semi-Annual Palooza
January 19, 2024 | Company News
January 19, 2024 – Last week, Forward Financing hosted its semi-annual Forward Palooza, where employees from across the globe gathered in Boston for three days of workshops, company updates, and fun.
As a remote-first organization which offers employees the flexibility to work and live where they want, Forward understands that meaningful connections are pivotal to a thriving workplace. That’s why they go the extra mile to create opportunities for the team to come together.
Forward’s people-first culture and environment is also a strategic approach to building a cohesive and empowered team that delivers outstanding results. This, in turn, enhances their ability to provide exceptional service to their customers in support of their mission.
“We believe when we do our best to take care of our people they are able to better take care of our customers, and Palooza is one of the ways we do that,” says Shannon Braley, Forward’s Chief People Officer. “We prioritize employee experience at Forward, and Palooza serves as an amazing opportunity for our team members to experience our unique culture in-person, and get excited for the year ahead.”
The three-day meet-up consisted of learning and development sessions tailored to individual contributors focusing on Building Resilience and Preventing Burnout, while people managers engaged in sessions about Managing through Change and Developing a Growth Mindset.
In addition to learning and development opportunities, Forward returned to the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre for their in-person Town Hall meeting. This all-hands session featured presentations from leadership recapping 2023 accomplishments and outlined the company’s strategic vision for 2024 and beyond.
The team also spent time giving back to the community, a core pillar of the organization, by assembling winter care kits for the patients of Boston Health Care for the Homeless.
Palooza was punctuated with opportunities to connect with team members over lunch and chat with Forward’s Founder and CEO, Justin Bakes.
The week culminated in a Great Gatsby-themed party at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel where the team enjoyed toasts, music, and celebrated another successful year together.
About Forward Financing
Forward Financing is a Boston-based financial technology company that provides fast, flexible capital to small businesses nationwide that have been long underserved by traditional financing options. Forward offers revenue-based financing – delivering an upfront sum of working capital in exchange for a fixed percentage of the business’s future revenue. By simplifying the requirements, streamlining the process, and using advanced proprietary technology, Forward is able to deliver approvals within minutes and funding within hours — 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 Main Street’s access to capital by providing over $2.4 billion in funding to more than 55,000 small businesses. The company is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, with an Excellent / 4.8 stars rating on Trustpilot.com. Forward is also recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Boston Business Journal and Built In Boston, certified as a Great Place to Work®, and is committed to helping their people and the small businesses they serve to achieve their full potential.