Launching a new Founder Forward cohort: Sustainable Bronx
Calling entrepreneurs who are building with sustainability in mind
Founder Forward is opening applications for a new cohort to take part in a six-week program that includes unrestricted capital of $5,000, one-on-one advising with industry professionals, and group advising with industry professionals with expertise in marketing, strategy, tech, finance, and more. We are focusing on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous founders in the Bronx, who are building with sustainability in mind or who would like to incorporate more sustainable practices in their business. If this sounds like you, please apply. We would love to work with you!
Why a sustainable Bronx?
Environmental hazards and climate change have exposed that resiliency is not only a problem of infrastructure, but also one that can impact business growth. Recent research by the Urban Center for Futures has found that business formation in the Bronx is accelerating. While this increase of business highlights the promise of the Bronx, it also is occurring at the same time as environmental disruptions and challenges are increasing, as reported by Crain’s New York Business.
Anecdotal conversations between Founder Forward and grassroots organizations in the Bronx have revealed that as rezoning and development is occurring in the Bronx, businesses are being required to green their businesses in order to remain compliant and in operation. Additionally, there are founders who may have businesses that are growth oriented, but need support on how to green their business and create sustainable practices that set them up for success. Particularly, businesses located in industrial and manufacturing areas are prime for sustainability improvement support.
The Sustainable Bronx cohort will participate in a six week program where they will have the opportunity to work one-on-one and in a group setting with sustainability experts to support developing solutions to issues of energy, waste, pollution, etc. These solutions will allow you to develop competitive advantages that lean on sustainability improvements.
Application information
We are seeking applications from Bronx-based Black, Latinx, and Indigenous founders building sustainability solutions or looking to improve the sustainability of their products or services. We are interested in working with founders who meet the following criteria:
Building a business solution that meets the needs of developing solutions to issues of energy, waste, pollution, etc or needing to improve the sustainability of their business.
Building a business solution that is still in the early stages. You are out of the ideation phase, you have an MVP, you are validating your ideas, and you have less than $250,000 in revenue.
Building a business solution that is a for-profit entity.
To apply, please fill out the application by Monday, May 27.
Photo Credit: UnSplash + Wesley Tingey