Forward Financing

Forward Financing: Capital for Small Businesses Across America

Forward Financing is a fintech company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with team members distributed across the United States, the Dominican Republic and Canada. Founded in 2012 by Justin Bakes, who serves as Co-founder and Executive Chairman, the company focuses on expanding access to capital for small businesses that may struggle to obtain financing elsewhere or that seek a more convenient, flexible solution tailored to their needs.

The company describes its mission as unlocking the capital that fuels small businesses across America. Its activity is aimed at businesses facing difficulties accessing traditional financing as well as those that simply require a personalized alternative.

Financing Products and Process

Forward Financing offers a range of products that includes revenue-based financing and business loans, with various terms and funding amounts. According to the company, the capital can be used for any business purpose. In 2025 it expanded its product offering to include loans in select states.

The application process is designed to be simple: after submitting an application online, a decision is typically issued within hours and the transfer of funds often occurs the same day. The company states that it maintains attainable eligibility criteria and a reasonable documentation requirement to broaden access for small businesses. It also emphasizes a transparent approach, with clear information provided throughout the process by its teams and tools.

Track Record and Scale

Over more than a decade of activity, Forward Financing reports having helped over 100,000 small businesses access more than $5.7 billion in capital. The company's historical milestones include reaching $50 million in funding to over 1,000 small businesses in 2015 and surpassing $1 billion in funding in 2021. In 2020, before moving to its current headquarters at 53 State Street, it helped hundreds of small businesses apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and supported thousands of customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent news, the company announced a $1.8 billion forward flow agreement and celebrated its 100,000-customer milestone with a campaign called #MilestoneMoments.

Customer Satisfaction and Recognition

Forward Financing states that it has received high customer satisfaction scores on major review platforms and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company has also appeared on Inc. Magazine's 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States on multiple occasions, including a third consecutive year in 2019 and a fifth consecutive year in 2021. In 2017 it was named the 15th fastest-growing company in the US by Inc. Magazine and the second fastest-growing private company in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal.

Other recognitions mentioned include Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 and EY's Entrepreneur of the Year finalist awards in 2019, as well as various Stevie Awards for customer service, diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility between 2022 and 2025. The company has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® in the United States and the Dominican Republic.

Ownership, Team and Workplace

Forward Financing operates as a 100% employee-owned company with more than 500 team members across the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic. It maintains an office in Santiago, Dominican Republic, established in 2014 to support operations for its growing US business. The company reports a 4.8 Glassdoor rating from over 270 anonymous employee reviews and has been included in lists such as Built In's Fully Remote Best Midsize Places to Work and Fortune's Best Workplaces for Millennials.

In 2025, Jason Mullins took on the role of President and CEO. The company's internal culture framework, known as the Forward Compass, sets expectations for leadership, collaboration and daily conduct.

Corporate Structure and Compliance

Forward Financing is a registered trademark of Forward Financing LLC. Forward Financing USA, LLC, ForFinDR, SRL and Forward Financing Canada, Inc. are affiliates of Forward Financing LLC. The company provides compliance information and a customer sign-in area on its website.