Invest Forward Cohort Program Facilitators

Program Background

Forward Cities, a national nonprofit committed to economic growth through entrepreneurship, in alignment with the E3 Durham Learn-to-Earn (L2E) program, is launching Invest Forward, a two-track cohort-based learning model designed to equip Durham entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and ecosystem connections required to start and grow sustainable businesses.

Overview

Forward Cities will deliver two distinct cohort tracks under the Invest Forward model:

Start Up Track

• Focus: Early-stage founders building foundational business readiness and ecosystem integration

• Curriculum Basis: Based on Kauffman FastTrac objectives

Accelerator Track

• Focus: Growth-stage businesses preparing to increase revenue capacity, formalize systems, and expand operations

• Curriculum Basis: Curriculum developed by selected facilitator(s)

Forward Cities is seeking qualified facilitators or entrepreneurial support organizations to co-design and lead one or both tracks beginning in early 2026.

Scope of Work 

Selected facilitators for the Start Up Track will:

• Co-design and deliver a curriculum for early-stage and idea-stage entrepreneurs.
• Become a FastTrac facilitator (cost of certification will be covered by Forward Cities) and complete the required training.
• Adapt and apply Kauffman FastTrac principles for the Start Up Track.
• Lead weekly instructional sessions and milestone reviews.
• Provide practical feedback to founders on business plans and execution readiness.
• Coordinate with E3 Durham Navigators to ensure ecosystem connectivity and participant progress.
• Recommend practical service categories that align with business development milestones.

Selected facilitators for the Accelerator will:

• Co-design and deliver a structured curriculum for growth-stage businesses.
• Lead weekly instructional sessions and milestone reviews.
• Provide practical feedback to founders on business plans and execution readiness.
• Coordinate with E3 Durham Navigators to ensure ecosystem connectivity and participant progress.
• Recommend practical service categories that align with business development milestones.

Desired Qualifications

Applicants may be individuals, consulting firms, or entrepreneurial support organizations.

Qualified applicants will demonstrate:

• Proven experience facilitating entrepreneurial education or business cohort programs.
• Demonstrated success supporting founders in achieving launch, operational readiness, or revenue growth milestones.
• Familiarity with FastTrac or similar frameworks is a plus for applicants of the Start Up Track.
• Ability to work with early-stage and/or growth-stage founders with proven results.
• Working knowledge of—or ability to quickly align with—the Durham entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Eligibility

• Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs), consulting firms, or independent facilitators are eligible.
• Applicants may apply to lead Start Up Track, Accelerator Track, or both.
• Applicants must identify a lead facilitator if applying as an organization or team.

Proposal & Submission Details

Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include:

1. Statement of Interest & Facilitation Approach
2. Track Preference (Start Up, Accelerator, or both)
3. Resume or Capability Statement with Relevant Experience & Past Cohort Results
4. High-Level Curriculum Alignment Plan
5. Fee Proposal & Availability Timeline

Applicants are welcome to include optional supporting materials, such as sample session outlines, participant outcomes, economic metrics, procurement experience, or examples of business growth.

Submission Format

• File Format: Submit as single PDF with clearly labeled sections
• File Naming: [Company Name]_InvestForwardFacilitator_Proposal_2025.pdf
• Submission Method: Submit your proposal using this form.
• Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Inquiries

For any questions not covered here, please email Magalie Yacinthe at myacinthe@forwardcities.org with the Subject: “Invest Forward Facilitator Proposal – [Your Organization/Name].”