The honor highlights the importance of local news that connects communities and shines a light on important local issues and solutions
(March 18, 2025)—Fast Company today named Press Forward to its prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025, not-for-profit category—a major recognition for the young organization and its approach to strengthening communities by reimagining local news. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy.
The Press Forward honor highlights the importance of local news and its unique ability to connect communities around shared stories and experiences.
“Local news grounds us in what’s important every day to our lives, families, and communities,” said Dale R. Anglin, Director of Press Forward. “Whether they live in Alaska, Arkansas, or Appalachia, people are hungry for reliable, non-partisan news that sounds like home. These stories lift us from the debates that divide us and become the glue that binds us.”
Press Forward is a nationwide coalition building ground-up support for the rich tapestry of vital local news sources that have the trust of their communities. The initiative launched with a $500 million commitment and is building support to strengthen local news across the country so that more people recognize it as a public resource that strengthens communities. Focused on four priorities critical to the future of local news and information, this funding has helped residents learn about local recovery efforts during recent hurricanes and wildfires, bridged critical coverage gaps by enabling universities to provide coverage in news desserts, and provided newsrooms with the technology they need to sustain themselves more easily.
In addition, Press Forward’s 36 local chapters work in a wide range of communities—from our vast rural areas in the south and mountain West to our largest cities. Together, they lead from the ground up and bring support and resources to high-quality, original reporting in their backyards.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of the year’s most anticipated editorial efforts. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies and organizations driving progress worldwide and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”
The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.
ABOUT PRESS FORWARD
Press Forward is a nationwide movement to strengthen our democracy by revitalizing local news and information. Press Forward’s growing coalition of funders has committed to invest more than $500 million to strengthen local newsrooms, close longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advance public policy that expands access to local news and scale infrastructure the sector needs to thrive. Press Forward is housed at The Miami Foundation. For more, visit pressforward.news.
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
For press inquiries, please contact Marika Lynch, communications@pressforward.news