Shawnee Forward

What Shawnee Forward does

Shawnee Forward, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that operates as the Area Chamber of Commerce for Shawnee, Oklahoma and the Regional Economic Development organization for Pottawatomie County. Formed through the 2017 strategic merger of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce (originally established in 1908) and the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation, the organization serves local businesses ranging from small, independently owned shops to major employers and institutions, including manufacturers, banks, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and tribal enterprises. Its core service portfolio combines membership-based chamber programming with economic development mandates including business attraction, retention, and workforce pipeline development.

The organization monetizes primarily through a six-tier annual membership structure ranging from $175 (Non-Profit/Individual) to $3,000 (Enterprise), supplemented by event sponsorships across signature programs such as the Economic Development Summit, Bowling for Business Tournament, Legislative Luncheons, and Leadership Shawnee. Additional revenue streams include Partnership Guide sponsorship sales and pass-through grant administration (e.g., the $25,000 Facade Improvement Grant Program administered for tornado recovery). The go-to-market motion is community- and event-led, supported by a weekly "In the Know" newsletter, direct membership sales by a small staff (1–10 employees), an Ambassador Committee, and self-service web tools including a member directory and event calendar hosted on ChamberData.

The underlying technology stack is standard nonprofit chamber infrastructure — a GoDaddy-hosted website, Constant Contact for email marketing, ChamberData for member/event management, and ZoomProspector for industrial site selection — with no proprietary technology products, AI/ML capabilities, or APIs developed or disclosed. Strategic partnerships span four tribal nations, educational and workforce partners (Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Oklahoma Baptist University, COWIB), federal and state agencies (SBA, Oklahoma SBDC, SCORE, Oklahoma Department of Commerce), and foundations (United Way, Avedis Foundation).

Name

Shawnee Forward

Legal name

Shawnee Forward, Inc.

Website

https://shawneeforward.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Shawnee Forward is a nonprofit Chamber of Commerce and Regional Economic Development organization serving Shawnee and Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, providing tiered membership programs, business resources, workforce development, and advocacy services to local businesses of all sizes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Shawnee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees at multiple tiers ranging from $175 for Non-Profit/Individual to $3,000 for Enterprise level. Membership provides access to networking events, business resources, advocacy services, and marketing opportunities.
2. Event Sponsorships: Revenue generated from event sponsorships including the Annual Bowling for Business Tournament (Presenting Sponsor $1,500, Strike Sponsor $750, Lane Sponsor $150), Economic Development Summit sponsorships, and other event-based sponsorships.
3. Partnership Guide Sponsorships: The 2026-2027 Partnership Guide offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses seeking visibility and access to the Shawnee Forward network of local businesses and community leaders.
4. Grant Administration: The organization administers the Facade Improvement Grant Program funded by the United Way of Pottawatomie County Disaster Recovery Fund ($25,000 total allocation). While this is pass-through funding for tornado recovery, it represents program administration capacity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Shawnee Forward is a Chamber of Commerce and Regional Economic Development organization that delivers tiered annual memberships, networking events, leadership and workforce development programs, business advocacy, site selection and relocation support, startup guidance, and tornado-recovery grant administration to businesses and entrepreneurs in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. Its six-tier membership program ranges from $175 (Non-Profit/Individual) to $3,000 (Enterprise Investor) annually and unlocks networking, marketing, advocacy, and economic development benefits for local businesses of every size.

Product overview

Shawnee Forward operates as a Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization offering a portfolio of membership-based programs, services, and events. The core offering is a multi-tiered Chamber Membership program (ranging from $175 to $3,000 annually) that provides access to networking, business resources, and advocacy. Key programs include the Leadership Shawnee development program, Pathways to Professions workforce initiative, Pottawatomie County Young Professionals networking group, and annual events such as the Economic Development Summit and Bowling for Business Tournament. Additional services encompass business relocation support, startup guidance, Facade Improvement Grant Program for tornado recovery, and connections to state business incentives. The organization also facilitates legislative advocacy through quarterly Legislative Luncheons and provides a weekly 'In the Know' newsletter to members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Chamber Membership Program Multi-tiered annual membership program with six investor levels (Non-Profit/Individual $175, Core Investor $360, Essential $500, Emerging Leader $900, Professional $1,600, Enterprise $3,000) providing access to networking events, business directory listings, advocacy services, marketing benefits, conference room usage, competitive wage analysis, industry reports, grant application assistance, and Leadership Shawnee discounts.
• Economic Development Summit Annual premier economic development event bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders for discussions on growth and development strategies, with sponsorship opportunities including presenting sponsor (Avedis Foundation) and other tiers.
• Bowling for Business Tournament Annual bowling tournament and networking fundraiser for member businesses with sponsorship opportunities at multiple levels (Presenting Sponsor $1,500, Strike Sponsor $750, Lane Sponsor $150, Team registration $300).
• Legislative Luncheons Four annual events providing direct communication between local state legislators and the business community, including Pre-Session, two Mid-Session, and Post-Session meetings, with sponsorship opportunities.
• Leadership Shawnee Leadership development program providing community leaders with a deeper understanding of critical issues affecting the greater Shawnee area through structured sessions on economic development, education, government, and community topics; Enterprise Investor members receive a 25% discount.
• Pathways to Professions Workforce development partnership connecting parents, students, educators, and employers to showcase career opportunities in manufacturing and other sectors, with progressive exposure from elementary through high school including job shadowing and paid internships.
• Business Startup Support Step-by-step guidance for starting a business in Shawnee and Pottawatomie County, including business planning, name registration, permits and licenses, site selection, tax registration, and employer responsibilities.
• Business Relocation Services Comprehensive relocation support for businesses moving to or expanding within Shawnee and Pottawatomie County, including site selection, fast-track permitting, incentive discovery, and coordination with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and training resources.
• Business Incentive Program Navigation Advisory service providing access to various local and state incentive programs including the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive, 21st Century Quality Jobs Incentive, Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions, and employee training programs.
• Facade Improvement Grant Program Grant program reimbursing 50% of eligible facade improvement expenses (minimum $500, maximum $5,000) for local businesses damaged by the April 19, 2023 tornado, funded by a $25,000 United Way of Pottawatomie County Disaster Recovery Fund allocation.
• Pottawatomie County Young Professionals (PCYP) Young professionals group for individuals aged 18-40 fostering personal and professional growth through networking events, professional development activities, community service projects, and mentorship opportunities.
• Business Growth Resource Connections Resource navigation connecting member businesses with SBA resources, Oklahoma Small Business Development Center advising, SCORE mentoring, and Rural Business and Resource Center access for established and budding business owners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 64% of consumers more likely to support Chamber members; 63% more likely to recommend Chamber member businesses
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Citizen Potawatomi NationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor tribal government partner and Enterprise Investor. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation is a sovereign tribal nation that owns Iron Horse Industrial Park (700-acre Foreign Trade Zone site), operates FireLake Golf Course and Firelake Arena, and is a key economic driver in the region. They co-sponsor major events including the Economic Development Summit.
• Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnterprise Investor member and major educational institution. OBU provides workforce and contributes to the talent pipeline. Home to championship athletics and serves as an ED Talk venue.
• OG&EcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElectric utility provider and sponsor of the Manufacturers Coalition program. OG&E provides energy services and workforce development support for manufacturing employers.
• Oklahoma Department of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner providing business relocation incentives, state incentive packages, and guidance. Offers Quality Jobs Program, Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Act, and other statewide programs.
• Gordon Cooper Technology CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier career and technology education center serving 800-1,000 high school and adult students annually. Provides vocational training, apprenticeships, and customized training for local employers. Key workforce development partner.
• Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederally-funded organization providing recruitment assistance, retention workshops, training grants, and business services network connections to employers. Partners on Pathways to Professions internship program.
• Small Business Administration (SBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency providing free resources, training programs, online courses, webinars, in-person workshops, and mentorship opportunities for small businesses.
• Oklahoma SBDCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOklahoma Small Business Development Center provides confidential, high-quality, no-cost entrepreneurial and small business management advising. Offers free online and in-person events and workshops.
• SCOREcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit and SBA resource partner providing free mentoring, webinars, courses on demand, and local workshops for established and budding business owners.
• Avedis FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate foundation established in 2012, serving as presenting sponsor of the Economic Development Summit and catalyst for positive change improving health, wellness, and quality of life in Pottawatomie County.
• Kickapoo Tribe of OklahomacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of four tribal communities in Pottawatomie County. Operates Kickapoo Casino and contributes to the economic diversity of the region.
• Absentee Shawnee TribecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of four tribal communities in Pottawatomie County. Operates Thunderbird Casino and contributes to regional economic development.
• Sac and Fox NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the tribal communities that settled Pottawatomie County. Owns Black Hawk Casino and operates within the regional economic ecosystem.
• Muscogee NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of four tribal communities in the region, contributing to the unique multi-tribal economic development landscape of Pottawatomie County.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Oklahoma Department of Commerce: State-level economic development agency that partners with Shawnee Forward on business incentives and relocation support. Not a competitor, but a direct ecosystem partner whose program offerings (Quality Jobs, incentive administration) overlap with Shawnee Forward's economic development services.

Broad incumbents

• Greater Oklahoma City Chamber: Regional chamber of commerce serving the OKC metro, including business attraction, advocacy, and member programs. Directly comparable mission and service mix to Shawnee Forward, but operates at significantly larger scale across a multi-county metro.
• Tulsa Regional Chamber: Major Oklahoma regional chamber combining economic development, workforce, and member services. Same combined Chamber + economic development model and member tier structure as Shawnee Forward, but operating at state-scale in Tulsa.
• Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce: Statewide business association providing policy advocacy and economic development coordination across Oklahoma. Operates one level above local chambers like Shawnee Forward; comparable advocacy and workforce development functions.

Direct peers

• Norman Chamber of Commerce: Local chamber of commerce serving Norman, Oklahoma, providing similar membership tiers, networking events, business advocacy, and economic development support. Closest geographic and functional peer given similar mid-sized Oklahoma city context.
• Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce: Oklahoma City suburb chamber offering multi-tier membership, advocacy, ribbon cuttings, and networking events. Same ChamberData-like infrastructure and similar SMB/major-employer member mix as Shawnee Forward.
• Midwest City Chamber of Commerce: Local Oklahoma City-area chamber serving Midwest City with membership programs, business advocacy, and community events. Highly comparable in scale, scope, and target member profile to Shawnee Forward.
• Seminole Chamber of Commerce: Nearby Pottawatomie-adjacent chamber in Seminole, Oklahoma, offering similar small-city membership and business support services. Geographic and demographic peer sharing part of the same workforce and economic ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=rKCkvNx86tI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shawneeforward

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shawnee Forward