Our Programs

Forward·Inc is a Netherlands-based, internationally operating organisation devoted to helping newcomers pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. We do this by empowering them to launch, grow, fund, and sustain their own businesses. We believe in the incredible talent of people with refugee backgrounds, their value to society, and their potential to build bridges across communities.

Forward’s programs assist aspiring entrepreneurs with everything from concept development and becoming pitch-ready to implementing marketing strategies and scaling their businesses. Forward·Inc has trained over 1000 newcomers, and 132 businesses have been launched.

Programs 2024

Spring

Spring

+ +
Fall

Fall

+ +

DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

Spring Cohort: February 2024 – April 2024 (Application deadline: 2nd February, 2024)
Fall cohort: August 2024 -October 2024

OUR PLATFORM HELPS NEWCOMERS DEVELOP THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS, DIGITAL SKILLS & LOCAL CULTURE.

The Digital Entrepreneurship Program (DEP) is an 8-week online course that includes 60-hours of prerecorded video training, practical assignments and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. In addition, weekly progress meetings with their peers and Forward·Inc‘s mentors will keep participants engaged while making the content applicable to their individual business idea.

No idea is too small or too big, but getting started can be overwhelming… Are you a beginner with a great idea, and need help setting your plan in motion – join the DEP.

If you have questions about the Digital Entrepreneurship Program, please have a look at this FAQ information.

FORWARD INCUBATOR

Spring Cohort: January 2024 – June 2024 (Application deadline: 17th November, 2023)
Fall Cohort: August 2024 – December 2024

WE PREPARE ASPIRING NEWCOMERS FOR THE LAUNCH OF THEIR BUSINESS BY FOCUSING ON DEVELOPING A STRONG FOUNDATION & BUSINESS PLAN.

The Forward Incubator (FI) program consists of 30 participants with the strongest entrepreneurial potential selected from the Digital Entrepreneurship Program (DEP). Each candidate is supported by a business coach (an experienced entrepreneur), 2 university student consultants, a team coach, and a potential co-founder. Participants have access to expertise from our (corporate) partners while attending regular workshops. The program concludes with the newcomers presenting their idea in front of the Forward·Inc community at our “DEMO DAY” – where a select few are awarded prizes in acknowledgment of their achievements.

Forward Incubator Draft Agreement.

GROWTH PROGRAM

Spring Cohort: April 2024 -June 2024
Fall Cohort: October 2024 -December 2024

OUR FOCUS IS ON BUILDING MARKETING STRATEGIES, BOOSTING SALES AND INVESTOR READINESS.

The Growth Program (GP) enables newcomer entrepreneurs to launch sustainable businesses by giving them access to Forward·Inc’s network and resources in order to run financially independent ventures with high professional standards.  The GP is composed of either Forward Incubator (FI) program graduates or external applicants seeking to establish themselves. We take them from a promising early-stage venture to a growing and strong start-up.

If you’re a newcomer that’s ready for what this program has to offer, please don’t hesitate to apply!

FORWARD ACCELERATOR

On hiatus. Applications currently closed.

WE CREATE A SPACE FOR NEWCOMERS TO STEER THEIR SCALABLE STARTUPS TOWARDS SUSTAINED PROFITABILITY.

Participants in the Forward Accelerator (FA) program are provided access to Forward·Inc’s network of mentors and (angel) investors from various industries. Candidates can either be Growth Program (GP) graduates or external applicants. The FA’s premiere focus is business development, branding, sales, marketing and helping build the team that enables the founders to navigate challenges and achieve success through expansion.

The Dream Team

Laura Di Santolo
Co-Founder |
Managing Director

Diederick van der Wijk
Co-Founder | Head of Business
Development

Tom Kloosterman
Business Development
Manager

Mieke

Mieke Masselink
Community &
Recruitment Manager

Fathya Utami
Program Manager
Digital Entrepreunership Program (DEP)

Caiti Andrews

Caiti Andrews
Marketing and
Communications Associate

Nick

Nick Pfeyffer
Program Manager
GP

Hannah

Hannah Bruinsma
Business Development
Associate

Maria Pereira
Operations and
Programs Associate

Michal Dudzinski
Business Development
Associate

Philip2x

Philip Biedermann
Programs
Associate

Ruxandra2x

Ruxandra Ghica
Programs Associate,
Forward Incubator (FI)

Berina0

Berina Glusac
Program Development
Intern

Michelle0

Michelle Chemaly
Team Facilitator &
Program Development Intern

Malak0

Malak Raslan
Business Development
Intern

Marianna0

Marianna Biasiol
Community, Events
& Recruitment Intern

Niamh0

Niamh O'Driscoll
Team Facilitator &
Program Development Intern

Gianmaria

Gianmaria Ibello
Business Development
Intern

Receive our newsletter


© 2021 Forward·Inc | Privacy Policy | ANBI