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6 Key Highlights: Forward Financing’s Triumph at The 21st Annual American Business Awards
April 27, 2023 – In a momentous celebration of corporate excellence and societal contribution, Forward Financing has been acknowledged with prestigious accolades at The 21st Annual American Business Awards®. The company’s unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and socially responsible business environment was recognized with a Gold Stevie® Award in Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion and a Bronze Stevie® Award in Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility.
1. Celebrating Corporate Excellence: The American Business Awards®
The American Business Awards® are widely regarded as the premier business awards in the United States, honoring organizations of every type and size for their outstanding achievements. This year’s edition was particularly competitive, with more than 3,700 nominations across a myriad of categories, making Forward Financing’s recognition all the more significant.
2. Pioneering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Forward Financing has been an exemplary leader in embedding DEI into the very core of its operations. The company has taken proactive steps to ensure that its workplace is not only diverse but also genuinely inclusive and equitable. Initiatives like DEI Engagement Workshops and the establishment of a DEI Employee Resource Group (ERG) have been instrumental in fostering an environment where every employee feels that they belong, that their voices are heard, and that they are part of a safe and inclusive workplace.
Shannon Braley, Chief People Officer, reflected on the company’s ethos, stating, “We are both thrilled and honored to receive recognition for our ongoing efforts in Diversity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility. Our strategy is to integrate DEI into every facet of our operations, continuously dedicating time and resources to support our employees and the wider community, and to cultivate a culture of inclusion and belonging.”
3. Driving the Mission: A Commitment to Community
Forward Financing’s dedication goes beyond the confines of its office walls and into the heart of the community. The company’s ‘Drive the Mission’ initiative is a testament to its commitment to making a tangible difference in local and underserved communities. Each employee is encouraged to engage in community service, supported by policies like paid volunteer days and a generous donation match program. In 2022 alone, Forward’s team volunteered over 732 hours and contributed more than $141,000 to 63 different organizations, reflecting the company’s strong ethos of giving back to the community.
4. A Global Stage for Recognition: The Stevie Awards
The Stevie Awards, with a judging panel comprising over 230 professionals worldwide, are recognized globally for honoring excellence in the business world. Forward Financing’s achievements in these awards highlight the company’s commitment to setting industry standards in creating a diverse, inclusive, and socially responsible business environment. Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, shared her excitement about the awards, saying, “It is very gratifying to recognize the achievements of such a wide variety of organizations, teams, and individuals in the 21st ABAs, and we look forward to bringing them together in New York on June 13 to celebrate with them.”
5. Forward Financing: Redefining the Future of Business
Based in Boston, Forward Financing has been at the forefront of revolutionizing small business financing. With an emphasis on providing fast, flexible capital solutions and unparalleled customer service, the company has significantly expanded access to capital for small businesses, underscoring its commitment to fostering the growth and success of businesses nationwide. Forward Financing’s recognition by The American Business Awards® is a testament to its continuous efforts to not only excel in the financial services industry but also to lead by example in creating a more inclusive and socially responsible corporate world.
6. The Stevie Awards: Honoring Global Business Excellence
The Stevie Awards recognize the achievements of organizations and individuals across the globe, celebrating outstanding performances in the workplace. With participation from more than 70 nations and over 12,000 entries each year, the Stevies stand as a testament to the universal pursuit of excellence in the business world.
In summary, Forward Financing’s recognition at The 21st Annual American Business Awards® is a celebration of its relentless pursuit of excellence in diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. These accolades not only underscore the company’s commitment to its core values but also set a benchmark for the industry, inspiring other organizations to follow suit in creating a more equitable, inclusive, and socially responsible business landscape.
