A group of business leaders has launched Trenton Forward, a new nonprofit economic development initiative aimed at connecting businesses, investors, institutions and other organizations with opportunities in New Jersey’s capital city.
Kwaku Dokyi, executive director and founding director, said the organization is focused on making Trenton a center for innovation and entrepreneurship while creating a platform to connect businesses, nonprofits, projects and incentives.
The Trenton Forward Atlas, an AI-assisted economic development platform, will connect users with opportunities in the city by providing information on properties, incentives, capital resources, organizations, projects and other resources.
Lawrence Krampf, chairman and founding director, said Trenton’s history, location, transportation assets, waterfront access, and available properties create a foundation for future growth. Trenton Forward will bring together information on the resources that businesses and investors need to keep projects moving forward.
Founding board members include leaders with backgrounds in entrepreneurship, marketing, technology, organizational leadership, and public-private partnerships.
In addition to Dokyi and Krampf, the board includes Michael Hierl, retired founder of the Pacesetter Group of Companies, and Michael Reagan, a retired CGI senior vice president, current COO of the MARMER Advisory Group, and a member of NJBIA’s Board of Trustees.
The organization has scheduled its inaugural Trenton Forward Summit for Jan. 14, 2027, at the Trenton War Memorial. The event is expected to bring together business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, developers, site selectors, civic leaders and other participants to discuss opportunities and potential projects in Trenton.
Trenton Forward said it plans to operate year-round through networking events, podcasts, white papers, advisory sessions and other programs. Additional announcements around partnerships, advisors, programs, and opportunities are expected in the coming months.
More information about Trenton Forward, the Summit, membership opportunities, and future announcements can be found at TrentonForward.org.
