As we come together with our families this holiday season we are reminded that Founder Forward’s mission– to build equity and access for underrepresented entrepreneurs– is essential to establishing thriving communities.
Since 2016, when we were founded by Libra Group in response to a 2016 call-to-action from President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Founder Forward has supported nearly 150 small business entrepreneurs. The call-to-action was driven by the idea that when you invest in a founder, you are not only championing that business, but the community they are building in. These 150 entrepreneurs represent transformative ideas and local sourcing that strengthen communities.
As we look towards 2024, we are inspired by the vision of these founders to challenge our idea of what’s possible for our communities nationwide.
This holiday season, we encourage you to shop small for an outsized impact. We have sourced three unique founders that can be shopped online to get you started:
Morning Light Kombucha – Mayetta, Kansas
Founded by Melinda Williamson, Morning Light Kombucha partners with local farmers who use sustainable agricultural practices and forage wild ingredients to make small batch, hand-crafted kombucha. Have a taste to boost your immunity!
JoBé Products – Louisville, Kentucky
Founded by JoCari T. Beattie, the company’s mission is to bring innovation to the world. They adapt everyday products to fit evolving consumer needs. Check out their seed product, a backpack that transforms into a desk and changes how we work. Take your work life to the next level by purchasing a Besk!
Black UX Labs – Louisville, Kentucky
Founded by Amber Fields, the company is dedicated to the career development of Black UX designers by reviewing their resumes, developing their skill sets through virtual events, and making connections with hiring managers. Their aim is to place 50 professionals in decision making or budget holding seats in 2023. Purchase some swag to support their mission.
These are just a few founders that are building businesses with sustainability, innovation, and community at their core.
See More
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The Unseen Systems of Support Powering Our Economy
Last Wednesday at the Yard in Herald Square, an intimate group of founders and ecosystem builders gathered for an Ugly Talk: Building a Team that Scales Beyond $500k. The event was more than a panel discussion, but a great example of what’s possible when pieces of an entrepreneurial ecosystem come together with intention.
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Founder Spotlight: Marcellis Counts, Apiary in the Sky
“At Founder Forward, we’re proud to champion visionary founders who are transforming industries and creating lasting impact. Today, we’re highlighting Marcellis, the founder of Apiary in the Sky, an urban beekeeping enterprise that’s converting Newark’s vacant lots into thriving apiaries while building environmental justice and community healing
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The power of ecosystem collaboration: Ugly Talk x Founder Forward
Last Wednesday at the Yard in Herald Square, an intimate group of founders and ecosystem builders gathered for an Ugly Talk: Building a Team that Scales Beyond $500k. The event was more than a panel discussion, but a great example of what’s possible when pieces of an entrepreneurial ecosystem come together with intention.
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