--- title: Back The Builders Grant Program 2026 | Forwarding Financing description: Apply for the Back the Builders Grant Program to win one of three $10,000 grants, celebrate your business journey, and gain recognition in your community. --- [![Forward Financing](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/forward-financing-logo-white-3.png)](https://www.forwardfinancing.com) [The program](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/backthebuilders#program) [Who can apply](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/backthebuilders#eligibility) [How it works](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/backthebuilders#how) [Apply now](https://46tgn.share.hsforms.com/2vVHMvr6qT2u9Lu_TX0gAbw) ![Coffee shop owner standing in his shop](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/apron-mint-panel.jpg) # Celebrating the builders who never back down. **The Back the Builders Grant Program** recognizes small business owners across America who show up for their teams, customers, and communities. Three builders will each receive a $10,000 grant to fuel their next chapter of growth. [Apply for a grant →](https://46tgn.share.hsforms.com/2vVHMvr6qT2u9Lu_TX0gAbw) ![Coffee shop owner standing in his shop](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/apron-mint-panel.jpg) What 3 × $10,000 grants awarded Who Forward customers with US-based small businesses When November 17, 2026 applications close Three grant categories ## Because no two builders are the same. ![Business owner working on a laptop](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/iStock-2059963058-1.jpg) $10,000 grant ### Innovative Builder For the builder ahead of the curve Awarded to a tech-forward entrepreneur leveraging modern technology and automation to stay on the cutting edge and scale their operations. [Apply](https://46tgn.share.hsforms.com/2vVHMvr6qT2u9Lu_TX0gAbw) ![Two food truck owners at their service window](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/iStock-1313892527-1.jpg) $10,000 grant ### Community Builder For the builder who gives back Awarded to a dedicated business owner using their business to drive positive economic or social impact in their local neighborhood. [Apply](https://46tgn.share.hsforms.com/2vVHMvr6qT2u9Lu_TX0gAbw) ![Woman business owner in her studio](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/iStock-1298074216-1.jpg) $10,000 grant ### She Builds For the woman leading the way Awarded to an extraordinary woman-owned business builder who is overcoming capital barriers, driving growth, and shaping her industry. [Apply](https://46tgn.share.hsforms.com/2vVHMvr6qT2u9Lu_TX0gAbw) ![Two café owners at their counter](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/iStock-2198723415-panel%20(1).png) The program ## At Forward, we back the builders, building Main Street. When you run a small business, building is part of the job description. You're building your team, your community, your future, and your legacy, often without anyone stopping to notice. The Back the Builders Grant Program is our way of noticing. Forward will select three small businesses to receive a $10,000 grant to invest in your business's growth. Being chosen means standing among a select group of small business owners doing exceptional work in their industries and communities. What recipients receive ## A celebration of what you've built. 01 ### A $10,000 grant To invest into your business where it counts most and amplify its impact. 02 ### A spotlight on your story We'll share what you're building with our community and yours. This is about your business and your journey; you're the hero of this story. 03 ### An awards dinner in Boston You and a guest are invited to a special awards dinner with Forward leadership. The trip is fully paid, wherever you live in the US. 04 ### A digital recognition kit Badges and assets to share the distinction with the world, so you get the external buzz you deserve. 01 ### A $10,000 grant To invest into your business where it counts most and amplify its impact. 02 ### A spotlight on your story We'll share what you're building with our community and yours. This is about your business and your journey; you're the hero of this story. 03 ### An awards dinner in Boston You and a guest are invited to a special awards dinner with Forward leadership. The trip is fully paid, wherever you live in the US. 04 ### A digital recognition kit Badges and assets to share the distinction with the world, so you get the external buzz you deserve. Who we're looking for ## Every small business deserves some back-up. To apply, your business should be: A US-based small business A current or recent Forward Financing customer In business and ready to put $10,000 to work over the next 12 months A fit for one of the three grant categories The application takes about 15 minutes. Tell us about your business, the opportunity in front of you, and how you'd put the grant to work, written or on video. Your choice. ### What sets applicants apart 01 Vision with a clear next step A defining challenge or opportunity standing between your business and its next milestone. 02 Meaningful impact A vision for what $10,000 could help you accomplish in the months ahead. 03 Commitment to community A demonstrated dedication to serving your local customers, network, or workforce. 04 Forward thinking The systems, technology, or ideas you're using to strengthen your business. 05 A storyteller Enthusiasm for sharing your story, brand, and business journey with the world. ## It all starts with your story. Here's how it works: 1 By Nov 17, 2026 ### Introduce yourself Tell us about your business in your own words, with a few photos of what you’ve built. 2 Finalists ### Let's talk A real conversation with our team to get to know you and what drives you. 3 Jan 22, 2027 ### Three deserving recipients Grant winners are celebrated and honored at our awards dinner in Boston. ## Ready to build what's next? Applications are open to US-based Forward Financing customers through November 17, 2026. [Start your application →](https://46tgn.share.hsforms.com/2vVHMvr6qT2u9Lu_TX0gAbw) ## Program terms and eligibility Back the Builders is open to US-based Forward Financing customers. Grants and related benefits are taxable; recipients may receive an IRS Form 1099. Forward will provide a payment to help offset taxes on the non-cash benefits. Consult your own tax advisor. To apply, you should be: - A US-based small business. - A current or recent Forward Financing customer. A current or recent customer is one that either (a) has an active round of funding in good standing and received funding within 12 months of the application launch on November 3, 2026, or (b) paid in full within 12 months of the application launch on November 3, 2026. - Able to attend the in-person awards dinner in Boston on January 22, 2027. - Willing to allow Forward and external news outlets to share your story publicly. - Willing to share, six months after the grant is distributed, how you've used the grant and the impact the funds have had. - In business and ready to put $10,000 to work over the next 12 months. [Read the full Official Rules](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/backthebuildersterms?hsLang=en) [![Forward Financing](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/hubfs/forward-financing-logo-white-1.png)](https://go.forwardfinancing.com/backthebuildersterms?hsLang=en) © 2026 Forward Financing LLC · 53 State Street, Boston, MA