Announcement

New Financing Supports Wellness Expansion at SolEscape Healing Arts in Madison, WI

We’re excited to announce a recent loan closing supporting SolEscape Healing Arts (R.E.A.L. Massage LLC), located at 1148 Williamson Street in Madison, Wisconsin. This financing though FCI’s Small Business Lending program will support the completion of a new café and kava lounge build-out, expanding the range of health and wellness offerings available at this already […]

New Financing Supports Wellness Expansion at SolEscape Healing Arts in Madison, WI Read More »

Madison’s Favorite Dessert Studio is Opening a Storefront on the East Side

Announcement, Impact Stories, Projects / FCI

From macarons to celebration cakes, Baked Lab has been serving Madison’s east side since 2019. The bakery owner, Shawn Bolduc, will soon be able to expand the operations with the help of Forward Community Investments’ small business loan program. The Baked Lab, currently located at 931 E. Main St. in Madison, will be moving to

Madison’s Favorite Dessert Studio is Opening a Storefront on the East Side Read More »

Forward Community Investments Featured in the Summer Issue of the UMOJA Magazine

Announcement, News / FCI

UMOJA Magazine is Wisconsin’s oldest African-American-owned publication, serving Dane County and the broader state for nearly 30 years with a mission to highlight the positive contributions of the Black community. Acquired in 2018 by UMOJA Magazine-Madison, Inc., a nonprofit formed by the Urban League of Dane County, it continues to publish monthly (excluding August) and

Forward Community Investments Featured in the Summer Issue of the UMOJA Magazine Read More »

Photo of three people smiling at closing

From Rental to Roots: Trasnos Bilingual Childcare Center Finds a Forever Home in Middleton

Announcement, Impact Stories, Projects / Kirby Toon

Pictured Above from L to R: FCI Portfolio Manager, Lisa Menendez, Trasnos Owners Gletsy Oliveros and Harry Salas It’s widely known that access to affordable, high-quality childcare can significantly shape a family’s future. Trasnos Bilingual Childcare Center knows they are doing more than filling a market need; they’re building a foundation from which their

From Rental to Roots: Trasnos Bilingual Childcare Center Finds a Forever Home in Middleton Read More »

Lincoln-King Center Brings Expanded Access to Healthcare and Youth Programming in Racine

Announcement, Impact Stories, New Markets Tax Credits, News, Projects / Kirby Toon

Forward Community Investments awards $10 million in NMTCs to support transformative mixed-use facility Forward Community Investments (FCI) is proud to support the Lincoln-King Community and Health Care Center in Racine, WI with a $10 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation. This investment is helping bring to life a long-anticipated project that will expand access

Lincoln-King Center Brings Expanded Access to Healthcare and Youth Programming in Racine Read More »

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Introducing Little Tibet Market & Café

Announcement, Impact Stories, Projects / Kirby Toon

March marks the month of celebrating influential and trailblazing American Women. Forward Community Investments (FCI) proudly celebrates the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Namgyal Ponsar and her family, whose recent loan closing marks a significant milestone. Their story is one of resilience, cultural preservation, and culinary passion. A Journey Rooted in Resilience Two decades ago, Namgyal’s

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Introducing Little Tibet Market & Café Read More »

FCI Welcomes Darrell “DJ” Hines to Board of Directors

Announcement, News / Kirby Toon

Forward Community Investments (FCI) is pleased to announce the addition of Darrell “DJ” Hines II to its Board of Directors. As a respected leader in Milwaukee’s faith, nonprofit, and business communities, Hines brings a wealth of experience in community development, operations management, and economic empowerment that will help advance FCI’s mission of stabilizing neighborhoods and

FCI Welcomes Darrell “DJ” Hines to Board of Directors Read More »

FCI CEO Ryan Zerwer Receives 2025 Best of Madison Leadership Award

Announcement, News / Portia Adney

To Forward Community Investments President & CEO, Ryan Zerwer, leadership isn’t just about guiding an organization. It’s about having a strong sense of vision, driving impact, and an unwavering commitment to his team and the people the organization serves. In today’s evolving nonprofit landscape, the traditional divide between mission-driven work and business strategy is rapidly blurring.

FCI CEO Ryan Zerwer Receives 2025 Best of Madison Leadership Award Read More »

Connecting to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Mission

Announcement, Impact Stories / Portia Adney

As we welcome in the New Year and commit to our new year’s resolutions and initiatives, FCI would like to take this moment to remember the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King envisioned a world of economic justice and equality, where all people have the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background.

Connecting to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Mission Read More »

Season’s Greetings and Reflections: Celebrating a Year of Impact

Announcement, Impact Stories / Portia Adney

As our 30th year comes to a close, Forward Community Investments reflects with pride and gratitude the incredible impact we’ve achieved throughout Wisconsin with our borrowers, partners, and investors. This year has been a testament to the power of partnerships, innovation, and our shared commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Season’s Greetings and Reflections: Celebrating a Year of Impact Read More »

Where capital meets community.

We ignite the future of mission driven organizations, real-estate developers, and small businesses by providing the financial support they need to thrive.