Powered by FORWARD

FORWARD is a nimble and adaptable solution to optimize programs for maximum community impact.

Types of programs supported by FORWARD

A nimble and adaptable back-office superpower, FORWARD is being leveraged by governments across the nation to streamline programs and help households and businesses towards economic resiliency. FORWARD administers economic and community development programs for businesses and households, including but not limited to the following programs:

Businesses

• Small business assistance
• Tax credit programs
• Licensing

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Households

• Homelessness assistance programs
• Immigrant assistance programs
• Direct cash assistance programs
• Rental and utility assistance programs
• Incentive programs

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Partners already moving FORWARD with us

“Thanks to FORWARD, the City of Spokane was the first in Washington state to successfully distribute 100% of its ERA1 funds. The FORWARD platform was indispensable in administering the Spokane Rental Assistance Program, streamlining all aspects of the program process so households can easily apply for critical funding.”

“The FORWARD team is client-focused and community-minded. Those qualities blended with their solution mindset make tackling challenges together a fruitful pleasure, even under trying circumstances like disaster relief. They’re true collaborators.”

"By partnering with FORWARD, we helped more struggling small craft beverage producers including wineries receive funding through the Washington State Department of Agriculture Relief and Recovery Grant program. Their easy-to-use application process and focus on community partnerships amplify program reach getting more resources to the most affected small business owners. Thanks to our combined efforts, many struggling small wineries were able to survive the pandemic shutdowns."

“At every stage, FORWARD has worked with and supported us to ensure that the application process for the program was accessible to the immigrant communities we serve.”

"The FORWARD Platform is a conduit that supercharges community engagement. Through our partnership with FORWARD, we were able to connect the most vulnerable small businesses and microenterprises in the City of Milpitas with critical resources."

“FORWARD as a back office superpower has been invaluable, especially when it comes to assistance programs.”

CASE STUDY: Yakima Rental Assistance Program

FORWARD Impact in Yakima County, WA

Distributing $22M in rent and utility assistance to more than 3,700 households
Households received an average grant of $3,274
Prevented 388 instances of fraud, resulting in significant savings of more than $6.3 million
Managed a coalition of local community-based organizations that provided in-person application support
Held three in-person rental assistance events to target underserved populations in Yakima County
Increased application volume by 33%, ensuring the County fully obligated funds before Treasury deadlines

Case Study: Paramount Small Business Assistance Program

FORWARD Impact in Paramount City, CA

Awarded $672,500 to 40 small businesses in Paramount City
Businesses were awarded an average grant amount of $16,813
Expanded program by $212,000 due to programmatic support from FORWARD and community enthusiasm for the program
98% of awardees were BIPOC-owned businesses
60% of awardees were women-owned businesses

Case Study: Spokane Rental Assistance Program

FORWARD Impact in Spokane, WA

Awarded over $22M in rent relief
More than 1,500 tenants and landlords supported
Distributed 100% of ERA1 funding

Case Study: WSDA COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants

FORWARD Impact in Washington State

Awarded over $14M in grants to 838 small businesses across Washington state
Businesses were awarded an average grant amount of $16,955
Four niche sectors supported – craft beverage, shellfish, agritourism, and farmers’ markets
36% of grant recipients were minority, women or LGBTQ+ owned businesses

Case Study: Long Beach Recovery Act Grant Program

FORWARD Impact in Long Beach, CA

$10,352,600 awarded to Long Beach small businesses
894 local businesses supported
$11,580 average award amount

Case Study: City of Milpitas Small Business Assistance Grant Program

FORWARD Impact in Milpitas, CA

Distributed $1,498,800 in ARPA funding to 343 small businesses in the City of Milpitas
Most Milpitas businesses were awarded a grant amount of $5,000

Let's work together

Our experienced staff has partnered with governments and agencies around the country to develop and implement turnkey assistance programs. See what we can do for your community.