Heartland Forward: Real-time insights powering economic growth in the heartland
Our programs
Heartland Forward is a nonprofit "think-and-do" tank with a mission to accelerate economic growth in the middle of the country through applied research, community-driven programs, policy work, and convenings.
How Heartland Forward strengthens the small business ecosystem in the United States
How Heartland Forward strengthens the small business ecosystem in the United States
- Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of local economies, yet small business owners are often left out of policy conversations, funding design, and broader decision-making processes — especially in the 20 states that make up America’s heartland. The lack of real-time, localized data about their needs makes it even harder to build programs and systems that work.
- Heartland Forward is a non-profit "think-and-do" tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Through applied research, community-driven programs, policy work, and convenings, they help shift narratives and shape strategies that prioritize inclusive economic growth. Their goal: generate $500 million in economic impact across the heartland by 2030 and ensure that entrepreneurs are no longer left out of decisions that shape their futures.
Program overview
Our work together
With support from Mastercard Strive USA, Heartland Forward is scaling Pulse of the Heartland, a first-of-its-kind platform that brings real-time data, curated news, and original analysis to community leaders, policymakers, journalists, and entrepreneurs across 20 heartland states.
The platform tracks three key drivers of inclusive economic growth:
- Regional competitiveness: Helping the heartland retain its global economic position by equipping leaders with the data to drive strategic growth.
- Talent pipeline: Strengthening workforce development and entrepreneurship through data-informed education and human capital strategies.
- Health and wellness: Promoting economic resilience by focusing on community health and access to affordable care.
“At Heartland Forward, we are focused on accelerating economic growth for our region changing the narrative about the middle of the country. World-class partners like Mastercard Strive USA help us embolden these communities, inspire innovation and drive entrepreneurship across the heartland and beyond.”
Angie Cooper
President, Heartland Forward
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