The Forge

• Business classes and competitions will be held in the Health Technology Center (HTC) auditorium from September to November this year.
• These classes are FREE to any small business owner with 50 or fewer employees or entrepreneurs ready to turn their idea into reality.
• Forge classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the HTC auditorium from September 8^th to November 3^rd, 2026. No class on October 13^th, 2026.
• The competition will be on Tuesday, November 3^rd, 2026, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Win up to $2500 for your Business!
• 100% Free to Participate

THE FORGE Business Classes and competition are supported by Alluvial Private Wealth, Gary and Mary Ann Ferriman, and Steve and Brenda Johnston.

The Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition is for the top businesses to present their business plans to a panel of judges and the public. The top businesses receive seed money to start making their plans a reality! 

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Want to start a small business or nonprofit? 

Take your entrepreneurial dreams to new heights? This exhilarating business program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed. IGNITE. INNOVATE. SUCCEED.

THE FORGE begins with a series of business classes followed by a “Shark Tank”-style competition. The top three participants win prize money to start making their business plans a reality! 

WIN UP TO ^$2500 TO START YOUR BUSINESS! 

TOPICS:

• The Development of the Business Plan – A business plan is written to determine feasibility, serve as a basis for financing, and be an operating guide once the business is open.
• Developing a Cash Flow Projection – This class will assist in compiling a cash flow projection that serves as an operating budget. It measures feasibility and liquidity.
• Financing the Business – This class reviews credit analysis, sources of capital, and the loan application process. It reviews both private and public sources.
• Business Record Keeping – This class reviews record-keeping systems. The class will also review the compilation and interpretation of basic business reports.
• Marketing and Advertising – Nothing good happens until somebody sells something. This class assists in the evaluation of the competition, selection of advertising methods, presentation to the customer, and the budget formation for these activities.

Our Story

The Forge was founded in 2017. The goal as it grows is to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Marion, OH. The goal is to make The Forge an asset to the community, a place where ideas transform.

Vision

Making Marion a Regional Magnet for Small Business Ownership and Entrepreneurial Activity.

Mission

Our mission is to provide the region’s most accessible, supportive, and personal pathway to career success that will promote the startup and expansion of Small Businesses in Marion by providing high-quality training and mentorship to entrepreneurs.

Marion Technical College provides equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, military status, or sexual orientation.

Leadership Marion! Class of 2017

Through the Marion Area Chamber’s Leadership Marion! program, 27 participants from all different backgrounds came together and worked to create The Forge. The class wanted to make a difference for small businesses in Marion, OH.

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PART 1 Participate in business classes. Use these classes as support through the creation of your business plan.	PART 2 Complete and polish a business plan and prepare to present your finished plan to a panel of judges.	PART 3 Present your final business plan in the competition and get feedback and support from other local entrepreneurs.

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The Forge Sponsors

Gary and Mary Ann Ferriman

Steve and Brenda Johnston

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The Forge Past Winners