Building Prosperity for All.
Amy and Phil Calandrino always believed in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and communities. With a shared vision of inspiring the next generation, they launched the "Aspiring Entrepreneurs" program under Phil's law firm, Forward Law Firm. Unlike traditional business development programs, their focus was not on existing businesses but on youth and teaching them about the rewards and benefits of small business ownership and how these skills could shape their future.
Through the program, young people are introduced to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, igniting their passion for innovation and equipping them with the knowledge to become future business leaders. Amy and Phil saw this as a vital investment in the community, knowing that today's youth will be the ones to drive tomorrow's economic growth and development.
As the program grew, so did their aspirations. They realized that this initiative could become something much larger as an organization dedicated to empowering people of all ages and backgrounds. This realization led to the creation of the Calandrino Foundation, with the mission of amplifying their reach and impact. While the foundation continues to nurture young entrepreneurs, they also envision expanding their efforts to support existing small businesses in the future, ensuring that their community thrives at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.
Through their combined expertise and passion, Amy and Phil are shaping a brighter future, one young entrepreneur at a time.
Our Mission.
We are driven to empower financial literacy and energize small business growth, bridging the wealth gap and lighting the path to inclusive prosperity!
Our Vision.
We envision a society where financial freedom and prosperity are accessible to all, with individuals from all walks of life empowered to unlock their true potential through entrepreneurship, passive income, and sustainable business opportunities.
About Us
Amy Calandrino
Amy Calandrino is the co-founder of the Calandrino Foundation, Inc. and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, education, and community impact. While she did not grow up in an entrepreneurial household, early exposure to small business ownership sparked a deep curiosity and a desire to create her own path.
That journey led Amy to found Beyond Commercial, a woman-led commercial real estate firm she built and operated for 15 years. Through her work in commercial real estate, Amy has remained focused on empowering businesses to thrive by helping owners make thoughtful decisions that support long-term growth, stability, and opportunity.
Philanthropy has always been a core part of Amy’s life and career. The creation of the Calandrino Foundation was a natural extension of her commitment to giving back and strengthening the communities she serves. Through the Foundation’s Aspiring Entrepreneurs program, Amy works to introduce young people to entrepreneurship and leadership, helping them understand what is possible through curiosity, effort, and vision.
For Amy, the Foundation represents a mission to empower the next generation, foster confidence and creativity, and invest in the future of communities for years to come.
Phil Calandrino
Phil Calandrino is the co-founder of the Calandrino Foundation, Inc. and has a lifelong commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and expanding access to opportunity. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Phil experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of small business ownership, shaping his belief in the power of entrepreneurship to create stability and long-term prosperity.
After founding Forward Law Firm in 1998, Phil dedicated his career to helping small business owners start, grow, and protect their ventures. His work has focused on providing practical guidance, strong advocacy, and trusted counsel to entrepreneurs navigating each stage of business ownership.
With a desire to extend his impact beyond legal services, Phil co-created the Calandrino Foundation with his wife, Amy. Through initiatives such as the Aspiring Entrepreneurs program, the Foundation introduces young people to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership, helping them understand how business ownership can strengthen families and communities.
Phil’s dedication to broadening access to financial opportunity continues to guide the Foundation’s mission to support future entrepreneurs and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive economy.