Ready, Set, Grow.
Forward Cody is committed to creating an economy that honors our community’s values, heritage, and quality of life and paves a path for generations to come. As a nonprofit, we provide free hands-on support that help businesses get Ready to launch with confidence, get Set with a strong foundation, and Grow to expand their impact.
WHO WE ARE
LOCAL LEADERSHIP. SHARED VISION. REAL IMPACT.
Forward Cody is a nonprofit economic development organization powered by a board of local leaders, community partnerships, our members, and the belief that a strong economy begins with strong relationships. We work every day to support the businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries that make Cody a resilient and vibrant place to live and work.
Our team brings expertise from across multiple industry sectors: business, finance, education, manufacturing, community development, health care, etc. We use our collective experience to help local businesses grow, attract thoughtful investments, and open doors to new economic opportunities.
Rooted in our Western heritage and driven by Cody’s entrepreneurial spirit, Forward Cody exists to guide the community toward long-term, sustainable growth. We listen, we collaborate, and we build solutions that reflect the values and character of the place we all call home.
MISSION
Forward Cody is the community’s leader, partner, advocate, and facilitator in the continuing development of a vibrant economy in the Cody area.
VALUES
It's about the people of Cody!
Cody is a special place with special people. Forward Cody's efforts will be focused on the people of Cody and their needs.
We have a great knowledge pool in Cody!
We believe that our success is directly correlated to the quality of people in the Cody area. Cody has attracted people on national and international prominence in a variety of fields. Many of these individuals are more than willing to share their knowledge and abilities with others. These individuals will provide an invaluable measure of assistance to businesses in Cody. Forward Cody will serve as a facilitator of these networks.
Cody is a great place to do business!
The State of Wyoming has a business climate which is recognized as among the best states in the nation. We have the ability to utilize these state attributes and link them to the high quality of life we enjoy in Cody. Forward Cody will direct efforts to improve the core tenets of a vibrant business economy.
Cody is a great place to live!
Cody is special place which feeds the social, cultural, recreational and spiritual needs of area residents. These very attributes could potentially make Cody a fast growth community and threaten that sense of place. Forward Cody recognizes that this core value held strongly by the community is critical to protect. As such, our activity will be designed with the protection of "place" as the forefront of discussions. While economic development is often seen in terms of "bigger is better", the model does not and cannot apply here.
Cody has great leadership!
Many of the people of Cody are true leaders, rising to the challenges that face them and dealing with issues that come to bear. Forward Cody recognizes these leaders and will earn a place among them by working with them as mentors in the development of plans and projects.
WHAT WE OFFER
MEMBERSHIP
Join a community-driven ecosystem dedicated to business growth, connection, and impact. Our memberships give you direct access to:
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1:1 business development sessions
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Exclusive business resources and local market data
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Invitations to our exclusive networking events
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Discounts on courses, masterminds, and masterclasses
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Advertising opportunities for your business
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Board eligibility
- + More!
Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, our membership levels, from Innovator to Investor are built to grow alongside you. By supporting Forward Cody, you also fuel our mission: helping local businesses thrive, strengthening community relationships, and driving sustainable economic development rooted in Cody’s values.
Choose the tier that fits your goals, join a powerful network, and make a lasting impact in Cody’s economy. Let’s move forward together.
Explore MembershipFREE BUSINESS SUPPORT
As a nonprofit, Forward Cody provides free, hands-on business support designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors including:
- Business Counseling
- Financial Structuring
- Business Planning
- Business Resources
- Referrals
- + More!
We are powered by local leaders, industry expertise, and a commitment to our community's economic vitality, we help businesses Get Ready, Get Set & Grow:
READY
Turn your ideas into action. We provide guidance, practical tools, and community connections so you can launch with confidence. From understanding local market opportunities to accessing foundational business resources, this stage emphasizes entrepreneurial energy and practical innovation, giving you a strong foundation for success.
SET
Strengthen your business for sustained growth. Access resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities that help you refine operations, develop strategies, and connect with peers and experts. This stage reflects our collaborative spirit and trusted stewardship, ensuring your business thrives while contributing to Cody’s resilient economy.
GROW
Expand your impact and influence. Engage in high-caliber opportunities, advanced resources, and leadership-focused support to scale your business and contribute meaningfully to the community. This stage embodies long-view leadership and community first, helping you balance innovation with preservation as you lead the next chapter of Cody’s economic vitality.
OUR APPROACH
FIVE STRATEGIC PILLARS GUIDING OUR WORK
Forward Cody’s work is guided by five strategic pillars that define how we strengthen Cody’s economy. Each pillar represents a focused area of impact working together to ensure our efforts are coordinated, measurable, and community-driven.
Pillar |
Focus |
What It Enables |
|---|---|---|
| Community Enrichment | Education, policy, workforce systems |
We foster a supportive climate to strengthen Cody beyond just business metrics. |
| Membership Initiatives | Masterclasses, masterminds, visibility |
Members gain tools, peer learning, and voice in shaping the region. |
| Business Recruitment | Site-readiness, prospect support |
We attract new enterprises that align with Cody’s values and potential. |
| Business Retention | Training, leadership, targeted solutions |
We help established businesses adapt, grow, and stay rooted here. |
| Entrepreneurship | Capital access, mentorship, ecosystem |
We nurture the next generation of businesses, right here in Cody. |
HOW WE'RE FUNDED
LOCAL FUNDS, LONG TERM IMPACT
Forward Cody is primarily funded through the work we do alongside local businesses and the support of our members and partners.
- 76% percent of our funding comes from project revenue, including rental income from businesses we’ve helped establish and grow.
- 19% is generated through membership support from businesses and individuals invested in Cody’s economic future.
- 4% comes from the City of Cody.
- 1% is raised through other sources such as our annual dinner and special events.
This diversified funding model allows Forward Cody to remain sustainable, locally driven, and focused on long-term impact for the Cody community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ANSWERS TO YOUR COMMON QUESTIONS
Get quick answers to the questions we hear most often about who we are, what we do, and how we support Cody’s business community. If you’re looking for more details or want to talk through your specific project, our team is always happy to help.
Explore FAQsReady to Shape Cody’s Future?
Whether you’re launching a new business, growing an established one, or want to invest in our community’s future, we’re here to help you get Ready, Set. Grow.
