As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself in awe of what has been the most dynamic and transformative year since I joined Forward Cities. This year has been defined by growth, innovation, and resilience. Together, we’ve achieved extraordinary milestones, navigated challenges, and deepened our impact in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
This reflection comes amidst a national climate of increasing resistance to progress in racial and economic equity. Some might read the political winds and feel we are losing ground. I’d like to think that these challenges have only solidified the importance of our work and will - hopefully - spur renewed and increased investment in vehicles that level the playing field for those that have been systematically left out of our economy. Forward Cities remains steadfast in its mission to build equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems—because we believe that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity and bridging divides when supported equitably.
As I look to the year ahead, I’m filled with hope and excitement. There’s an important announcement coming early in the new year that will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Forward Cities. While I can’t share details yet, I can promise it will be transformative for our organization and the communities we serve.
"Forward Cities remains steadfast in its mission to build equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems"
Fay Horwitt
A Year of Programmatic Excellence
E3 Durham
This year, E3 Durham expanded its reach and impact, exemplifying the power of community-driven solutions. With $1.5 million in ARPA funding from Durham County, the new iteration of the program has enrolled over 100 clients to date,actively referring them to vital counseling, funding opportunities, and technical assistance. As a part of this innovative initiative, entrepreneurs are able to earn up to $2,000 in subsidized business services while getting ready access to the education, resources, and connections they need to thrive.
Monthly networking events like the Third Thursdays series and our E3 Durham Connects digital community platform foster meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, service providers, and community champions. We’ve also formed and convened an E3 Alliance of business support organizations to increase awareness, collaboration, and aligned activity in service of our local entrepreneurs. Combining these powerful elements, E3 Durham is fast emerging as a catalytic framework for equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem building that can be duplicated across the country.
Black Wall Street Forward
Black Wall Street Forward has continued to honor the resilience of Black entrepreneurship while charting a path for the future. Across five communities, we hosted a series of events that celebrated Black excellence and innovation. In Durham, the electrifying "Black to the Future" event brought Afrofuturism to life, blending creativity, community, and opportunity through a pitch contest and interactive learning stations. In Raleigh, the SmallBiz Mid-Day Soiree empowered Black entrepreneurs with resources and connections, while innovative pilot projects like the Entrepreneurship Escape Room and R.O.O.Ts created immersive educational experiences.
These efforts weren’t just about honoring history—they were about creating tangible opportunities for the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. From funding opportunities to strategic support, Black Wall Street Forward has become a cornerstone of our mission to reimagine what’s possible for Black businesses. We were also able to take our learnings from the past two years of engagement into a collaborative design process that emerged a refined program structure that is poised to grow the scale and impact of BWSF in more communities across the country in 2025, empowering more ecosystem builders with the skills to grow vibrant, Black-centric entrepreneurial ecosystems.
PLACE Builders: Cultivating Ecosystem Leadership
The inaugural PLACE Builders fellowship, created in partnership with EcoMap Technologies, has been one of the most inspiring parts of this year. Developed to honor the legacy of Pava LaPere, this program brought together a cohort of ecosystem builders from across the country for a transformative experience. Over several months, fellows engaged in intensive training sessions, received personalized mentorship, and designed pilot projects tailored to their local ecosystems.
The program culminated in a convening where fellows shared their projects, forged connections, and celebrated the power of collective impact. PLACE Builders stands as a testament to the importance of cultivating leadership in the ecosystem-building field. We look forward to launching a second cohort of the program in 2025, empowering more ecosystem builders with the skills to reduce barriers for underserved communities.
The Power of Collaboration
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the partnerships and collaborations that have defined 2024. Serving as Chair of the Ecosystem Builders Leadership Network (EBLN) has been a privilege, providing opportunities to engage with thought leaders across the country and share Forward Cities’ vision on platforms like the InBIA e.Builders Forum, Startup Champions Network Summit, and EFN Summit.
Our work with local and national partners has reinforced my belief in the collective power of ecosystem builders. Together, we’ve broken new ground, challenged norms, and built bridges that will continue to connect entrepreneurs to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
A Deep Thank You to Our Team and Partners
None of this year’s accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and brilliance of our team, partners, and board. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Forward Cities’ success: From senior leadership to our ecosystem builders and support staff, your unwavering commitment to equity and entrepreneurship fuels this organization every day. A special thank you to Magalie Yacinthe and Nutishia Lee for your ongoing exceptional leadership and vision. We are also grateful to have welcomed two outstanding new team members who are stewarding the success of our E3 Durham Program, Jacinta Walker and Santiago Ramos.
We are also honored to have the support of our operational and programmatic partners, with whom, our achievements would not be possible: Opin Interactive, Community Health Intelligence, Lion Strategies, and By the Bookkeeping. I’d also like to share special thanks to our Board of Directors; your guidance, wisdom, and steadfast belief in our work have been a source of strength as we continue to grow - in all the ways.
We also want to share a profound word of gratitude for our funding partners. Investing in systems change and intermediary organizations like ours ensures that communities everywhere are equipped with the knowledge to grow and sustain their local ecosystems to all entrepreneurs can thrive. A special thanks to the Metlife Foundation, the Target Foundation, the Truist Foundation, Common Future, Durham County, the NC IDEA Foundation, and the many generous donors of our PLACE Builders initiative.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead. This year has shown me the power of collaboration and the profound impact of working together toward a shared vision. The announcement we’ll share in the new year marks a significant moment for Forward Cities—one that will shape the future of our organization and the communities we serve.
To our team, partners, and supporters: Thank you for being part of this journey. Your passion, creativity, and belief in the power of equitable ecosystems have made this year truly remarkable. Together, we are building a future where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive.
Here’s to an inspiring year ahead. Stay focused. Stay vigilant. Stay tuned!
In solidarity,
Fay Horwitt
President & CEO, Forward Cities
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORFay Horwitt
President & CEO, Forward Cities
Fay serves as the President & CEO of Forward Cities, where she oversees organizational strategy. In addition, Fay is a dedicated advocate for the emerging profession of ecosystem building, and as a founding member of Ecosystems Unite. Beyond her formal roles, she is a sought after presenter, trainer, and thought leader on the topic of equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem building. Never one to be content with status quo, Fay has also recently begun addressing a new need in local communities: ecosystem healing–helping pivot ecosystems and institutions in this time of the dual COVID-19 and systemic racial injustice pandemics.