The Frogwise Fund — up and coming
A small fund for small businesses doing the right thing
Readers give what they can. Every cycle we choose one small, sustainably driven business — a new acupuncture practice, a Reiki duo, a roaster who actually pays the farm, someone making packaging that does not outlive us — and give them the money together with the thing money cannot buy quickly: a story told properly.
This cycle
The first cycle has not opened yet. If you know a business that should be the first one — small, sustainable, doing the unglamorous part properly — tell us about it.
Nominate a businessHow it grows
Three levels, in order
- The fundOpen
Small amounts, pooled. Every cycle one sustainably driven business receives the money and a proper story: photographs, an interview, an honest look at how they work. The money matters. The story usually matters more.
- RecognitionNext
Not points and badges. Seasonal marks: Business of the Cycle, a Reader's Choice vote, and Standard milestones for measurable improvement in packaging, sourcing, energy, labour or waste. An end-of-year class page for everyone funded.
- The ecosystemLater
Businesses that made it backing businesses that are making it. Money, but also a shelf, a supplier contact, a shared shipment, an hour of advice. Introductions run through Frogwise rather than an open marketplace.
Where the money goes
Everything given is pooled and passed on. Each cycle page states the amount raised and the amount granted, and what the business used it for. Frogwise takes nothing, and no business pays to be chosen or covered — not now, not later.