Forward Financing recognizes the potential of smaller companies that may not be eligible for traditional bank loans, or that need a faster, more flexible solution. That’s why it’s committed to leveling the playing field.
Small businesses face challenges staying competitive, and access to capital is key. Forward Financing offers revenue-based financing, providing upfront capital for a set amount of future revenue. This adaptable approach can adjust payments based on revenue, helping businesses manage unexpected challenges. With no fixed payments, interest never accrues — regardless of how long payment takes — and there’s no personal liability as long as the business abides by its contract.
Alexis Shapiro
General Counsel, Forward Financing
“It gives small businesses something they don’t often get from traditional financing, and that’s flexibility,” explained Alexis Shapiro, general counsel for the Boston-based financial technology company. “Payments are tied directly to a business’s revenue, which means owners aren’t locked into rigid monthly payments during slower seasons or sudden downturns.
“That structure can be a game-changer, especially for businesses that experience fluctuations in cash flow or are still building a financial foundation. It’s a way to access capital without taking on more than they can reasonably manage.”
Navigating the fine print
Shapiro says when committing to traditional bank loans, small businesses must exercise caution.
“Traditional financing structures typically involve a fixed payment schedule, regardless of external economic factors or fluctuations in the business’s revenue,” Shapiro noted. “While a consistent payment plan can offer predictability for some businesses, its inherent lack of adaptability might present challenges for others, especially when facing unexpected downturns, seasonal variations, or natural disasters.”
Choosing a trusted provider
Forward’s core values are centered around prioritizing the customer experience and ensuring fairness and transparency in every interaction.
“We operate with integrity, because when financing providers act with honesty and fairness, they build trust and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable marketplace,” Shapiro said. “Doing the right thing is deeply embedded in our culture at Forward, guiding our daily decisions — from our frontline teams to our executive team. Our A+ BBB rating, 4.7 stars on Trustpilot, and thousands of five-star customer reviews all reflect our commitment to doing right by our customers.”
Forming a strong relationship
Jessica Roden
Vice President of Marketing, Forward Financing
According to Jessica Roden, Forward Financing’s vice president of marketing, building relationships is crucial.
“Every small business we fund has a person or group of people behind it who are working tirelessly to make it run,” she said. “Our success is directly tied to theirs. Since payments fluctuate with their revenue, we’re quite literally invested in their performance. When they do well, we do well. That’s why we work so hard to educate our customers about this product and how to take advantage of its unique features — designed specifically for the ups and downs of small business.”
Surviving the unexpected
The future is uncertain. Roden recalls a daycare owner in Houston, Texas, who knows that all too well.
“She built her business from the ground up, driven by a mission to support low-income families and create a safe, nurturing environment for children in her community,” Roden said. “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, her enrollment plummeted, and traditional lenders turned her away.”
Fortunately, Forward was there to help the daycare owner secure the capital she needed on terms that worked for her business, allowing her to keep her staff employed.
“After making it through COVID, the owner chose to fund with Forward again to remodel her kitchen to comply with new health codes,” Roden explained. “When a devastating flood hit, bringing a 10-day power outage and forced closure, Forward stood by her side, providing payment relief and pausing her payments.”
Keeping it simple
Through its streamlined process, Forward makes it easy for customers to apply online for funding — and strives to give them every consideration.
“We go beyond credit scores to consider the full picture behind every approval — their day-to-day operations, long-term potential, and growth trajectory,” Roden said. “That broader view allows us to support business owners who may not qualify for traditional financing or simply need a faster, more personalized solution.”
Roden added, “We believe every business deserves financial opportunity. That’s why we’re on a mission to unlock the capital that fuels small businesses across America.”
To learn more, visit www.forwardfinancing.com
