Companies built differently.
SpringForward™ is an incubator that builds community wealth through employee ownership in high-growth industries
SpringForward is on a mission to redefine the job market for people encountering multiple barriers to employment. Each portfolio company serves an emerging market sector or need and will be comprised of employees/owners using the EVERY Employee framework.
A SpringForward workplace embraces EVERY Employee making an investment upfront that unleashes potential, enables social connections so that a diverse workforce with unique abilities and needs thrives. A SpringForward company utilizing the EVERY Employee approach ensures all workers are valued and respected, earn fair wages, have a voice in governance and eventually an ownership stake in the business operation.
SpringForward provides financial, legal, technical, and entrepreneurial support to start-up companies utilizing the EVERY Employee framework.
Industries
Indoor Urban Agriculture
An indoor urban farm located in a community neighborhood solves the problem of lack of availability and affordability fresh local produce for all. The South Baltimore SpringForward Farm is bringing microgreens and leafy greens to priority food areas. Through a partnership with Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and local non profit organizations Grow Home and City of Refuge, fresh greens are available in corner stores and local grocery stores. The indoor urban agriculture is a market sector growing at a record-setting pace. We expect this to be a boon for employees, customers, and the local community.
3D Design & Print Technologies
With the support of Autism Speaks and NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electrical Cooperative), SpringForward Technologies offers fellowships in 3D Design & Print and IT Technologies. Those with neurodiversity can earn and learn in an environment that supports their unique abilities and needs. With the availability to earn stackable credentials, while working on authentic client-based projects, the Fellows augment their resumes gaining valuable work experience and skills.
Food Production
We believe meals can taste good, contain nourishing ingredients and be affordable for all families. Our food production company prepares, packages, and delivers meals that use fresh ingredients sourced from our indoor urban farm and other local farmers. Using SpringForward’s EVERY Employee framework, our employees, both those with and those without barriers to employment, gain more than just a job. They are provided support to thrive, attain economic security, and have a voice in the company’s operations. Our food production company is built by the unique talents of EVERY Employee to provide food that promotes well-being.
Building Trades
Based on over 10 years of operating a building trades career and technical education program through PHILLIPS ~ Building Futures, we are in the early stages of research and development around a product in this industry. Whether it is accessible dwelling units, rehabilitation of abandoned buildings, or other community needs, this company will implement SpringForward’s EVERY Employee framework to support a diverse workforce to experience economic security and attain assets. This company will be built differently as the workers will have a participatory voice in the operations as well as opportunities for employee ownership.
How do I become part of SpringForward?
Whether you are looking to become part of an innovative company or an investor looking to make an impact, there are roles at SpringForward that require your unique skill set. Please drop us a note using our Contact form and tell us a little bit about yourself and your situation.
Let’s change the world together.
