We measure what matters. Then we report it honestly.
Three-level impact framework
Rock Forward's impact framework is built on three levels: participant outcomes, program quality, and organizational health — grounded in validated tools from the IRC, UNHCR, and WES Mariam Assefa Fund.
Refugees are an economic asset. We're the infrastructure.
US refugees become entrepreneurs, higher than other immigrants (11.7%) or US-born (9%).
Wilson Center, 2024
Net fiscal benefit over 15 years (2005–2019).
US Dept of HHS, 2024
Business income from 178,000+ refugee entrepreneurs annually.
CWS, 2023
What changes for the people we serve
| Metric | How measured | Year 1 target | Year 3 target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program completion rate | Attendance records |
75%
|
85%
|
| Business formation rate (90 days) | Follow-up survey + documentation |
50%
|
65%
|
| Revenue-generating at 6 months | 6-month alumni survey |
40%
|
55%
|
| Banking or credit access | Self-reported + documentation |
70%
|
85%
|
| Jobs created per graduate | Annual alumni survey | 1.2 jobs/grad | 2.0 jobs/grad |
| Capital raised (aggregate) | Alumni portal tracking | $50K | $500K |
| Entrepreneurial self-efficacy uplift | Pre/post validated ESE scale | Measurable gain | +25% avg uplift |
How well we deliver
| Metric | Year 1 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort size | 15–20 | 20–25 |
| Mentor ratio | 1:3 or better | 1:3 maintained |
| Satisfaction score |
4.2/5.0
|
4.5/5.0
|
| Curriculum modules delivered |
100%
|
100%
|
| Demo Day attendance | 50 | 100 |
| Alumni active at 12 months |
60%
|
70%
|
Our sustainability and growth
| Metric | Year 1 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cohorts per year | 1–2 | 3–4 |
| Cumulative graduates | 15–20 | 150+ |
| Cost per participant | Under $3,500 | Under $2,500 |
| Revenue diversification | Building toward | Achieved |
| Partnership MOUs | 2 | 8+ |
| Grant success rate | Baseline |
30%
|
Measurement infrastructure
Pre/post ESE scale
Validated Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy instrument measuring confidence across opportunity recognition, planning, marshaling resources, and managing uncertainty. Based on Cadenas et al., 2023.
90-day & 6-month alumni surveys
Automated follow-up surveys via CRM capturing business formation, revenue status, banking access, and support needs at two critical post-program milestones.
Annual business health check
Comprehensive annual review tracking revenue, number of employees, capital raised, and market traction for every graduate venture in the alumni network.
Annual Impact Report
Published publicly each year. Aggregates all metrics across the three levels into a transparent, funder-ready document available on our website.