Tuition-free Education to Help Our Customers Thrive

We are partnering with the ICIC, a Boston-based nonprofit, to offer our customers tuition-free, executive education that will help them be more successful business owners. ICIC’s nationally recognized Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program is designed to support the growth of small businesses in under-resourced communities. This partnership further expands the financial opportunity Forward offers customers, by including educational opportunity as well.

Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC)

Executive leadership training program offered in cities across the US This “mini-MBA” is for busy small business owners with operations located in under-resourced or economically-distressed areas.

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BBJ Feature: Partners with a Purpose

We know our partnership with ICIC is special, but don’t just take our word for it! Read The Boston Business Journal Partners with a Purpose article, spotlighting effective and unique partnerships between businesses and nonprofits.

Up to $1,000 for Program Graduates

We believe in this so much, we're rewarding eligible customers who complete an ICCC program up to $1,000 on their current or next round of funding with us.*

Apply to an ICCC Program

Submit an application and schedule an interview with an ICCC representative.

Complete the Program

Attend all classes and submit any final projects (mentorship is optional).

Get Rewarded

Forward will provide up to $1,000 on the current or next round of funding.*

Check Out Our ICCC Webinar: What Is Revenue-Based Financing?

In this session, two members of the Forward Sales & Marketing team share their knowledge about revenue-based financing and why it can be such a great option for small businesses.

Watch Webinar

Building Essential Tools and Connections

In 2023, the ICIC served thousands of small business owners. Many of which offered glowing reviews about their experience.

"ICIC helped me learn the importance of strategically assessing and choosing opportunities that align with our company goals. We’ve already implemented systems that improved our contract negotiation protocols."

Jeysi Zuniga Founder & CEO of Synergy Contracting, Inc.

"ICCC has been an extremely beneficial program. They shared perspectives about my business that I hadn't thought about, and is challenging to think about, when engulfed in the day to day operations of a business."

Chad Rhodes Managing partner of The Rhodes Cos

"As small business owners, it's amazing how isolated we can become as we struggle to juggle many hats. ICCC put me in contact with others who could offer their expertise and help my business flourish."

Anna Maria Florio Owner of La Cucina at the Market

FAQ

I don’t meet the criteria for these programs, but how do I learn about other educational opportunities?

If you’re not eligible for these programs but are interested in other educational programs complete this brief form, and we’ll keep you posted on future offerings.

Why did you choose to partner with the ICIC?

The ICIC’s mission to drive inclusive economic prosperity by supporting small businesses in under-resourced communities aligns well with our goal to offer financial opportunity to small businesses typically underserved by traditional financial institutions. Plus, we care about our customers and their success, and we believe the quality and nature of this programming will help them thrive.

Why is Forward incentivizing small business customers to take this program?

We feel strongly that business owners who have taken these courses will be more successful entrepreneurs, and that’s a win-win. So we’re willing to reward their commitment to becoming a more educated business owner.

How does the incentive from Forward work?

We believe in this so much, we’re offering eligible customers who complete an ICIC program up to $1,000 on their current balance or their next round of funding with us.* To qualify for the incentive, simply:

Apply to an ICIC Program – Submit an application and schedule an interview with an ICIC representative.
Complete the Program – Attend all classes and submit any final projects, mentorship is optional.
Get Rewarded – Forward will provide up to $1,000 on the current or next round of funding.

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC)