WorkOnward

WorkOnward operates a map-based hiring platform designed to connect local businesses with hourly talent, with a focus on underserved communities such as immigrants, single parents, and older workers. The company was founded in 2020 by Holly Diamond and Bhargav Sutariya and is headquartered in New York, NY. The idea originated from the challenges Diamond's parents faced in hiring staff for their restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diamond, a first-generation Korean immigrant with a background in social work and recruiting, was motivated to help those facing systemic barriers in the workplace. Sutariya, the co-founder and product designer, drew from his own experiences as an international student from India facing employment challenges.

The platform provides an all-in-one system for job searching, scheduling, interviewing, and onboarding. For employers, particularly small businesses, it offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional staffing services with features like unlimited job posts, candidate management, and an applicant tracking system. For job seekers, the service is free and aims to simplify the application process by moving beyond traditional resumes with features like video resumes and voice introductions. The business model includes a freemium structure for businesses, with a free tier for single job posts and a monthly subscription of $39 for unlimited postings and advanced features. WorkOnward has received $120K in a seed funding round and is backed by investors including Techstars and Village Capital.

Through its non-profit arm, the WorkOnward Foundation, the company also provides green jobs training and career opportunities, in partnership with entities like the New York Power Authority (NYPA), to prepare New Yorkers for careers in the renewable energy sector.

Keywords: map-based hiring, hourly talent, local recruitment, small business hiring, inclusive workforce, job platform, applicant tracking, HR tech, green jobs training, workforce development