Forward Announces Partnership with Small Business Focused Nonprofit
February 14, 2023 | Company News
February 14, 2023 – Forward is excited to announce a new 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. ICIC’s vision to drive inclusive economic prosperity in under-resourced communities through innovative research and programs is closely aligned with Forward’s mission. This new partnership will further expand the financial opportunity Forward offers their customers, by including educational opportunity as well.
“Our mission is to build a world-class fintech company so our customers can reach their full potential. And we pride ourselves in helping to level the playing field by offering financial opportunity to small businesses typically underserved by traditional financial institutions,” said Co-founder and CEO of Forward, Justin Bakes. “That’s why this partnership makes so much sense for our customers and our business. We feel strongly that business owners who have taken these courses will be more successful entrepreneurs, and that’s a win-win.”
It’s this confidence in the quality of ICIC programming and the potential impact it can have that encouraged Forward to offer its customers an incentive to take and finish ICIC programs. Upon completion, Forward’s customers will receive up to a $1,000 reduction on their current balance or their next round of funding with the company.*
The first two tuition-free educational programs available this year will be:
- Building for Growth (BFG): A national, virtual executive education program designed to help BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and women-owned construction firms build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies.
- Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC): A flexible, “mini-MBA” executive leadership training program, in-person or online, that helps busy small business owners in under-resourced communities build capacity for long-term sustainable growth.
The non-profit is equally excited about this new opportunity to reach and positively impact even more small businesses. “ICIC is deeply grateful for our partnership with Forward,” said CEO of ICIC, Steve Grossman. “We share their commitment to customers’ and colleagues’ economic health and well-being. We know that as we work together, our impact on small businesses throughout the country will be profound and of lasting value.”
Learn more about this partnership and programming here.
About Forward Financing
Forward Financing is a fintech company headquartered in Boston that provides fast, flexible capital to small businesses nationwide that have been long underserved by traditional financing options. By simplifying the requirements, streamlining the process, and using advanced proprietary technology, Forward Financing 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 Financing has expanded Main Street’s access to capital by providing over $1.9 billion in funding to more than 45,000 small businesses. The company is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, with an ‘Excellent / 4.9 stars’ rating on Trustpilot.com. Forward Financing has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Boston Business Journal and Built In Boston and is certified as a Great Place to Work®. Forward Financing is committed to helping their people and the small businesses they serve to achieve their full potential.