Founder Forward
Building A Future Where Diverse Founders Power Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Building regional economies through entrepreneurship.
We are redistributing economic and social power to foster competitive regional economies.
We provide unrestricted funding, non-prescriptive advising, and story amplification for Black, Indigenous, and other diverse founders by executing locally driven, founder-first solutions that help them serve as community leaders and job creators.
Hear from Our Network
-
![]()
"As Board Chair of Founder Forward, I’m deeply proud to be part of an organization that has led the charge in transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our work is rooted in collaboration, bringing together investors, corporations, and government leaders, to ensure that founders have the support they need to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities for growth."
Chris Upperman
Board Chair, Founder Forward -
![]()
"Founder Forward champions the work of community-centered businesses on multiple dimensions. Founder Forward volunteers are so valuable in providing entrepreneurs like us expert guidance on everything from marketing to scaling impact. Lulo is grateful for the work of Founder Forward!"
Dani Lopez
Founder, Lulo -
![]()
“What’s amazing about Founder Forward is the diversity of advisors in the room. As founders, we are often isolated in our work, but having access to a community of experts and supporters is the encouragement we need to keep pushing.”
Daniel Maloney
Co-founder, Sol Cacao -
![]()
"The fact that the work of Founder Forward is very community-based and encourages founders to also give back to their community is something I think is very powerful and important."
Jess Song
Founder Forward Advisory Network -
![]()
"The Founder Forward team is all about creating real opportunities for founders like myself. As a grantee, I’m grateful not just for the funding, but for the strategic guidance and, most importantly, for being part of a community that’s truly focused on building the future.
Marcellis Counts
Founder, Apiary in the Sky -
![CEO, Libra Philanthrophies]()
"Entrepreneurship is a catalyst for societal progress, driving innovation, economic stability, and community growth. As CEO of Libra Philanthropies, I am honored to support Founder Forward’s mission, leveraging our global reach and resources to champion founders and their transformative visions across the United States."
Rosanna Mortoglou
CEO, Libra Philanthropies
Recent News
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Join a community transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem and receive the latest updates - sign up for our newsletter!