Our Story
Founded in 1988 by a dedicated group of organic farmers from the Ozarks bioregion of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, FORGE was established to address the critical need for affordable capital in sustainable agriculture. Recognizing that the challenges faced by rural communities extended beyond farming, FORGE evolved to support small businesses that provide essential services and stable employment. As a proud SBA Microlender since 1998 and a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 2010, FORGE has expanded its programs while remaining committed to linking borrowers with investors to foster healthy, sustainable communities throughout the Ozarks.