A World Class Fintech Company | Forward Financing

Our Beliefs and Mission

We believe in the power of small businesses and the positive impact they can have on the communities where we live and work. Every business deserves financial opportunity, including small businesses, which form the backbone of our economy. That’s why we do what we do.

Forward Financing is a Boston-based financial technology company, providing fast, flexible working capital to small businesses that have been underserved by traditional financing options. It is our mission to build a world-class fintech company so our customers and our people can reach their full potential. And judging by the news about our company, we’re well on our way!

Our History

Launched by Co-founder & CEO, Justin Bakes, to expand access to capital to underserved small businesses, while “building a place where people want to run to work in the morning.”

2012

Provided over $50 million in funding to over 1,000 small businesses nationwide.

2015

Named #15 fastest-growing company in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine and #2 fastest- growing private company in Massachusetts by Boston Business Journal.

2017

Moved into our new space at 100 Summer Street, which allowed us to nearly double the size of our team.

2018

Recognized on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. for the third consecutive year, along with Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 and EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year finalist awards.

2019

Before moving into our new building at 53 State Street, helped hundreds of small businesses apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and supported thousands of customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020

Achieved the milestone of having provided $1 billion in funding to small businesses, while also appearing on the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year and being named a Top Place to Work by the Boston Globe for the second year in a row.

2021

Unveiled our new branding and celebrated our 10th year in business, while securing recognition as an Inc. Power Partner and receiving a Gold Stevie for Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion.

2022

Started off the year strong, being included on Built In’s list of Fully Remote Best Midsize Places to Work.

2023

Core Values

Drive the Mission

We believe in financial opportunity for underserved small businesses. We say “yes” when others say “no.”

Keep It Real

We value direct communication, candid feedback, and authenticity. We are an open book.

Act With Kindness

We create an environment where caring is cool and helping is the norm. We do the right thing.

Shoot for Extraordinary

We are inspired by innovative thinking and continuous improvement. We never settle for yesterday’s best.

Our People

We owe much of our success to the talented team members we are lucky to employ. Our diverse and driven group of over 500 people, with approximately 250 based in the U.S., and 250 internationally, is a 100% employee-owned company. We have a 4.7 Glassdoor rating across 160+ anonymous employee reviews, with 93% saying they would recommend Forward to a friend and 97% saying they approve of our CEO.

Maintaining an A+ culture across our whole team – whether they’re working in-office, from home, or anywhere else they choose – is mission-critical for us. We treat our people well because we care about them as individuals, not just workers. A career at Forward is challenging, fulfilling, and fun!

What We’re All About