WorkOnward

WorkOnward Inc

WorkOnward

WorkOnward connects underserved job seekers to local opportunities with a map-based platform and AI resume builder, fostering economic mobility.

New York, NY, USA

United States

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

Job seekers in underserved communities face barriers to local employment due to unreliable transportation, limited digital access, and lack of technology skills, exacerbating time poverty, hindering resume creation and economic mobility. In New York City, 55% of residents rely on public transit, with low-income workers enduring hour-long commutes—double the U.S. average of 27 minutes. Nationally, 60% of low-income households lack reliable internet, and 45% of older adults struggle with digital tools, impeding resume preparation, and restricting job search capabilities. Globally, 1.4 billion urban workers face similar challenges. Small businesses struggle to hire reliable local staff, weakening communities. WorkOnward’s geo map-based platform connects local talent with nearby jobs, reducing commutes and leveraging mobile-friendly access to bridge digital divides. Our generative AI resume builder, accessible via phone call or SMS, empowers non-tech-savvy individuals—like older adults and immigrants—by creating professional resumes in the language of their choice. Since launching in New York, we’ve empowered 5,000 job seekers, with 70% from marginalized groups, and 80% of AI resume users reporting faster job applications. Expanding into New Jersey and adapting globally, WorkOnward addresses transportation, digital, and skill barriers, driving economic prosperity by fostering accessible, community-focused work for underserved populations.

WorkOnward is a dual solution: a map-based hiring platform and an AI-powered resume builder. It’s a mobile and web platform where job seekers explore local jobs on an interactive map, paired with an AI tool to craft professional resumes via phone calls or SMS. Job seekers tap or drag on a map to discover geocoded jobs nearby and apply using AI-generated resumes. Employers post openings, view candidates by proximity, and hire faster. Multilingual support ensures inclusivity for diverse users. Built with React and Node.js, it leverages Google Maps to geocode and plot jobs in real-time. OpenAI’s API powers semantic search, matching skills and job requirements with 90% accuracy, enhanced by voice search and smart filters. The AI resume builder, using OpenAI’s Realtime API, converts spoken or texted inputs into polished resumes by prompting users for key details. Deployed on Azure Kubernetes, it auto-scales to support growing global demand seamlessly. Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8DKOLc5UBE https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vZHgicta0QWAdZhHEBWLIludrlvRzN71/view?usp=sharing

WorkOnward helps underserved job seekers in New York City—immigrants, refugees, justice-impacted individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, older adults, and those experiencing homelessness—find jobs. Many face tough challenges, for example, 60% of low-income New Yorkers lack reliable transportation (NYC DOT, 2023), 45% of older adults struggle with digital tools (AARP, 2022), and 30% of immigrants have no job contacts (NYC Immigrant Affairs, 2023). Our simple map-based platform uses Google Maps and smart search to match people with nearby jobs, cutting travel time. An easy AI resume tool works on phones, helping 80% apply faster. Voice search and screen readers make it usable for everyone, and veterans get job matches that fit their skills. We’ve connected 5,000 people to work, with immigrants finding jobs 30% quicker and justice-impacted folks getting 25% more interview calls. WorkOnward breaks down barriers to jobs, boosts New York City’s economy, and can grow to help cities worldwide.