Our Story
2012
In 2012, the Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award (HEA) was founded by the Libra Group on behalf of The Hellenic Initiative. HEA was founded out of a belief that entrepreneurship should be accessible to all – whether within a thriving economy or during a recession. Motivated by faith in Greece’s intrinsic creativity, grit and determination, the initiative aimed to inspire and champion established and new entrepreneurs.
2015
In 2015, after a track record of success operating the HEA initiative, the Libra Group sponsored the American Entrepreneurship Award (AEA) in Miami-Dade County in Florida and the Bronx in New York City. The essence of President Barack Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative encouraged leaders and organizations to address opportunity gaps in under-served communities.
The Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award (HEA) and the American Entrepreneurship Award (AEA) served as the impetus for Envolve, a 501(c)(3) organization that strives for a global society where all business owners can prosper and grow. Envolve continues a commitment to serve and develop individual entrepreneurs, along with cultivating ecosystems—with a particular focus on selected underserved local communities—around the world.
2018
The HEA and AEA have provided the foundation for Envolve. These initiatives have fueled the creation of hundreds of jobs, making a direct contribution to the economy of Greece and the United States.
Envolve will continue this commitment to serve, develop and cultivate individual entrepreneurs with a special focus on under-served communities.
2023
Envolve USA is now Founder Forward
Envolve USA, the U.S.-based sister organization of Envolve Greece, is now Founder Forward. Since their inception in 2015, the focus has been on advancing equity and access in the entrepreneurship ecosystem for under-resourced and underfunded BIPOC and female entrepreneurs. The new name, Founder Forward, and logo better reflect the organization’s mission to support and propel the growth of diverse entrepreneurs.
The Libra Group is a diverse international business group that is active in 35 countries across six continents. It focuses on six business areas: aviation, energy, hospitality, real estate, shipping, and diversified investments. The group is wholly-owned by the Logothetis family.
See www.libra.com
