National Venture Capital Association’s prestigious award recognizes leading organizations for their work in supporting entrepreneurs.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Heartland Forward, a policy think-and-do tank dedicated to serving states and local communities in the middle of the country, has been recognized by the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), in partnership with Venture Forward to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs in the heartland. 

Despite generating over 35% of the nation’s GDP, the heartland receives just 10% of venture capital. Heartland Forward is leading the charge to bring more venture capital to the region and provide critical resources to help entrepreneurs thrive in the heartland.

“Driving innovation and supporting entrepreneurs is essential for expanding economic opportunity in the heartland,” said Ross DeVol, chairman and CEO of Heartland Forward. “By investing in top talent and supporting entrepreneurs, we can unlock the heartland’s full potential and strengthen the nation’s economy. I am proud of the Heartland Forward team that works every single day to accelerate economic growth in the heartland and we are grateful to NVCA and Venture Forward for this recognition.”

“Heartland Forward is driving meaningful change for entrepreneurs across Middle America by equipping them with the tools, resources and support needed to succeed,” said NVCA President and CEO Bobby Franklin. 

Maryam Haque, executive director of Venture Forward, NVCA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on democratizing access to the VC industry, added, “Through initiatives like the Builders and Backers Idea Accelerator powered by Heartland Forward, the Community Growth Program + Toolkit, is shining a spotlight on the region’s strong talent and opportunities. We are proud to recognize their impactful work.”

Through community-based programs and applied research, Heartland Forward has been a leader in supporting entrepreneurs in the heartland. This recognition highlights Heartland Forward’s national leadership in this area.

• For the past four years, Heartland Forward has partnered with Builders and Backers Studio to bring its Idea Accelerator to over 1,000 early-stage entrepreneurs in the Heartland, equipping these new builders with the proven frameworks, support and funding needed to get started. The program is an integral part of Heartland Forward’s Community Growth Program and Toolkit.  
• They recently partnered with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center to highlight which states & policies create more opportunities for entrepreneurs.
• A 2023 report, America’s Evolving Geography of Innovation, highlights growth in venture capital investment in heartland metropolitans.
  • Columbus, Ohio and Birmingham, Ala. ranked in the top three of metros nationally for percent growth in venture capital investment.
• The acceleration of economic activity in the heartland was again seen in the 2025 report, Heartland of Talent. Which reveals a growing migration of top talent to heartland metros, driven by affordability and innovation. 

For more information about Heartland Forward’s work in supporting entrepreneurs, visit www.heartlandforward.org.

About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Our mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030. We do this through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings— focusing on regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness. 

About The National Venture Capital Association
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers the next generation of American companies that will fuel the economy of tomorrow. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital and startup community, NVCA advocates for public policy that supports the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. Serving the venture community as the preeminent trade association, NVCA arms the venture community for success, serving as the leading resource for venture capital data, practical education, peer-led initiatives, and networking. For more information about NVCA, please visit www.nvca.org.