Close the funding gap.
Capital Access Lab
Rock Forward’s dedicated financing and investor-readiness program — combining financial literacy education, loan and grant navigation, and direct connections to capital providers.
What is the Capital Access Lab?
The Capital Access Lab (CAL) is Rock Forward’s dedicated financing and investor-readiness program. It closes the funding gap for underserved entrepreneurs by combining financial literacy education, loan and grant navigation, and direct connections to capital providers.
CAL is structured around four progressive tracks — from building financial literacy fundamentals through to curated investor introductions. Participants leave with a complete capital-raising toolkit and warm connections to aligned funders.
Who it’s for
Founders who have an operating business or validated concept and need to understand their financing options, prepare fundable financial packages, or connect to lenders, investors, and grant programs.
Four tracks to capital readiness
Track 1 — Financial Literacy & Readiness
- Accounting fundamentals, cash flow management, financial statement literacy
- Key metrics: burn rate, runway, unit economics, gross margin
- How to build a data room and what investors/lenders look for
- Credit-building and banking relationships
Track 2 — Debt & Loan Navigation
- Small business loans: SBA programs, CDFIs, community lenders, microenterprise programs
- Working capital loans — purpose, terms, collateral, application process
- Loan loss reserve programs and capital access funds
- 1:1 loan readiness clinics with CAL advisors
Track 3 — Equity & Grant Readiness
- Seed funding, angel investment, venture capital explained
- Writing compelling grant proposals and non-dilutive funding sources
- SAFEs, convertible notes, and equity dilution
- Diaspora investment opportunities and impact-linked capital
Track 4 — Investor Speed-Dating
- Curated sessions pairing founders with aligned investors/lenders
- Mock investor Q&A panels with real feedback
- Warm introductions to Rock Forward’s Capital Access Network
Key deliverables
Financial Model
A complete, investor-grade financial model tailored to your business stage and sector.
Loan & Grant Package
Ready-to-submit application package for loans, grants, and non-dilutive funding sources.
Capital Pitch Deck
A pitch deck tailored for capital conversations with investors and lenders.
Ready to fund your venture?
The Capital Access Lab runs on a rolling basis. Apply today to start building your path to capital.