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Ras'tani Creatives

Community-Powered Initiative

Build Forward

Free, professionally designed websites for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs who lack the resources to go online. A movement powered by community. Impact backed by action.

2026 Goal: 50 Websites Built

Build Forward launches in 2026 with 3 websites already built. The static foundation is complete, and the next phase moves into dynamic experiences.

Community members collaborating to build digital access for small businesses
Entrepreneur working on building her business online

The Mission

Over 60% of small businesses and startups lack a professional online presence due to cost barriers. Build Forward removes that barrier by connecting entrepreneurs with pro bono design services, tech mentorship, and community support.

We believe digital access is not a luxury—it's fundamental to economic opportunity and equity. Every person with a business idea deserves to have it seen online.

Who It Helps

🌱 Startups

Early-stage founders with limited capital who need credibility and online presence to launch.

💼 Small Business Owners

Independent business owners, solopreneurs, and service providers who've been saying "I need a website."

🎨 Creatives & Artists

Photographers, designers, makers, and creators building their brand and needing a portfolio online.

🤝 Social Enterprises

Mission-driven organizations and nonprofits doing important work but lacking online infrastructure.

🌍 Underserved Communities

Entrepreneurs in communities with limited access to professional services and resources.

👥 Diverse Founders

Women, BIPOC, and underrepresented founders building businesses within resource constraints.

What the Campaign Funds

Every dollar contributed to Build Forward goes directly toward helping entrepreneurs get online and succeed.

Professional Website Design

Custom, responsive design tailored to each business's brand and goals.

Web Development

Full build, hosting setup, and technical infrastructure for the first year.

SEO Optimization

Search-engine optimization so customers can find them organically online.

Mentorship & Training

Education and guidance helping entrepreneurs manage and grow their online presence.

Tech Infrastructure

Tools, software licenses, and hosting that make our work possible and sustainable.

Ongoing Support

Continued maintenance, updates, and community support beyond launch.

2026 Community Impact Goals

Community social tree illustration

50 Websites Built

Professional websites for 50 businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

$250K+ Value Created

Estimated market value of pro bono services delivered directly to small businesses and communities.

250+ Lives Impacted

Business owners, employees, families, and communities transformed by digital access.

50+ Mentee Developers

Emerging designers and developers trained through real-world project experience.

2026 Campaign Progress

Q1 2026
Campaign Launch

Build Forward officially begins with 3 websites completed and the campaign site launched.

Q2 2026
Dynamic Buildout

With the static phase complete, the next step is moving campaign experiences and future builds into a dynamic workflow.

Q3 2026
Participation Growth

Volunteer, nomination, and partnership outreach expands as more businesses prepare to join the campaign.

Q4 2026
Momentum Forward

Sponsorships, launches, and support continue building toward the long-term goal of 50 websites.

Overall Campaign Progress 3 websites launched

Ways to Participate in Build Forward

💰 Sponsor a Website

Fund one complete website ($3,500) or contribute toward multiple websites through monthly support.

Sponsor Now

🎯 Make a Direct Donation

Any amount helps. Your donation goes directly to websites, mentorship, and tools.

Donate

🔧 Volunteer Your Skills

Are you a designer, developer, or marketer? Help us amplify impact by volunteering.

Volunteer

🤝 Partner with Us

Organizations, companies, and communities looking for sustained partnership.

Explore Partnership

📢 Spread the Word

Share Build Forward with your network. Growth comes through word of mouth and community.

Share Campaign

📝 Nominate a Business

Know someone who deserves a website? Nominate them to be part of Build Forward.

Nominate
Team working together to support the Build Forward campaign

Help Build What Comes Next

Build Forward is underway in 2026 with 3 websites already built. Support the next wave as we move from a static launch into a dynamic campaign experience for more businesses.