Forward Industries, Inc.
477 Rosemary Avenue
Suite 219
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
(561) 465-0030

2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
PROXY STATEMENT

Why am I receiving these materials?

    These proxy materials are being sent to the holders of shares of the voting stock of Forward Industries, Inc., which we refer to as “Forward” or the “Company,” in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors, which we refer to as the “Board,” for use at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 10:00 a.m. on February 9, 2017 at our corporate headquarters at the above address in West Palm Beach, Florida. The proxy materials relating to the Annual Meeting are first being mailed to shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting on or about December 16, 2016. A copy of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016 is being mailed concurrently with this Proxy Statement.

Who is Entitled to Vote?

    Our Board has fixed the close of business on December 12, 2016 as the record date for a determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. On the record date, there were 8,780,830 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of Forward common stock represents one vote that may be voted on each matter that may come before the Annual Meeting. As of the record date, Forward has issued no preferred stock which is entitled to vote.

What is the difference between holding shares as a record holder and as a beneficial owner?

    If your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer, you are the “record holder” of those shares. If you are a record holder, these proxy materials have been provided directly to you by Forward.

    If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account, a bank or other holder of record, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares held in “street name.” If your shares are held in street name, these proxy materials have been forwarded to you by that organization. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct this organization on how to vote your shares.

Who May Attend the Meeting?

    Record holders and beneficial owners may attend the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in street name, you will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement or other documentation reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date. Please see below for instructions on how to vote at the Annual Meeting if your shares are held in street name.

How Do I Vote?

Record Holder

1.Vote by Internet. The website address for Internet voting is on your proxy card.
2.Vote by phone. Call 1 (800) 690-6903 and follow the instructions on your proxy card.
3.Vote by mail. Mark, date, sign and mail promptly the enclosed proxy card (a postage-paid envelope is provided for mailing in the United States).
4.Vote in person. Attend and vote at the Annual Meeting.

If you vote by Internet or phone, please DO NOT mail your proxy card.

Beneficial Owner (Holding Shares in Street Name)

1.Vote by Internet. The website address for Internet voting is on your vote instruction form.
2.Vote by mail. Mark, date, sign and mail promptly the enclosed vote instruction form (a postage-paid envelope is provided for mailing in the United States).
3.Vote in person. Obtain a valid legal proxy from the organization that holds your shares and attend and vote at the Annual Meeting.

What Constitutes a Quorum?

     To carry on the business of the Annual Meeting, we must have a quorum. A quorum is present when a majority of the shares entitled to vote, as of the record date, are present in person or represented by proxy. Shares owned by Forward are not considered outstanding or considered to be present at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes (because there are routine matters presented at the Annual Meeting) and abstentions are counted as present for the purpose of determining the existence of a quorum.

What happens if Forward is unable to obtain a Quorum?

     If a quorum is not present to transact business at the Annual Meeting or if we do not receive sufficient votes in favor of the proposals by the date of the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Annual Meeting to permit solicitation of proxies.

What is a broker non-vote?

     If your shares are held in street name, you must instruct the organization who holds your shares how to vote your shares. If you do not provide voting instructions, your shares will not be voted on any non-routine proposal. This vote is called a “broker non-vote.” Broker non-votes do not count as a vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” any of the proposals.

     If you are the shareholder of record, and you sign and return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, then the proxy holders will vote your shares in the manner recommended by our Board on all matters presented in this Proxy Statement and as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion with respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting. If your shares are held in street name and you do not provide specific voting instructions to the organization that holds your shares, the organization may generally vote at its discretion on routine matters, but not on non-routine matters. If you sign your vote instruction form but do not provide instructions on how your broker should vote, your broker will vote your shares as recommended by our Board on any non-routine matter. See the note below and the following question and answer.

Important Rule Affecting Beneficial Owners Holding Shares In Street Name

     Brokers may no longer use discretionary authority to vote shares on the election of directors if they have not received instructions from their clients. Please submit your vote instruction form so your vote is counted.

Which Proposals are Considered “Routine” or “Non-Routine”?

    Proposals 1 and 3 are non-routine and Proposal 2 is routine.

How are abstentions treated?

    Abstentions have no effect on the outcome of any matter being voted on.

How Many Votes are Needed for Each Proposal to Pass, is Broker Discretionary Voting Allowed and what is the effect of an abstention?

What Are the Voting Procedures?

     In voting by proxy with regard to the election of directors, you may vote in favor of all nominees, withhold your votes as to all nominees, or withhold your votes as to specific nominees. With regard to the remaining proposals, you may vote in favor of each proposal or against each proposal, or in favor of some proposals and against others, or you may abstain from voting on any of these proposals. You should specify your respective choices on the accompanying proxy card or your vote instruction form.

Is My Proxy Revocable?

     You may revoke your proxy and reclaim your right to vote up to and including the day of the Annual Meeting by giving written notice to the Corporate Secretary of Forward, by delivering a proxy card dated after the date of the proxy or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. All written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be addressed to: Forward Industries, Inc., 477 Rosemary Avenue, Suite 219, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Who is Paying for the Expenses Involved in Preparing and Mailing this Proxy Statement?

     All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy materials and all costs of soliciting proxies will be paid by Forward. In addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by our officers and regular employees by telephone or in person. Such persons will receive no compensation for their services other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and we may reimburse such persons for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by them in so doing. We may hire an independent proxy solicitation firm.

What Happens if Additional Matters are Presented at the Annual Meeting?

     Other than the items of business described in this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If you submit a signed proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders, Messrs. Terence Wise and Michael Matte, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If for any reason any of our nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

What is “householding” and how does it affect me?

     Record holders who have the same address and last name will receive only one copy of their proxy materials, unless we are notified that one or more of these record holders wishes to continue receiving individual copies. This procedure will reduce our printing costs and postage fees. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards.

     If you are eligible for householding, but you and other record holders with whom you share an address, receive multiple copies of these proxy materials, or if you hold Forward stock in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of each of these documents for your household, please contact our Corporate Secretary at: Forward Industries, Inc., 477 Rosemary Avenue, Suite 219, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, (561) 565-0030.

     If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate copy of these proxy materials, or if you do not wish to continue to participate in householding and prefer to receive separate copies of these documents in the future, please contact our Corporate Secretary as indicated above. Beneficial owners can request information about householding from their brokers, banks or other holders of record.

Do I Have Dissenters’ (Appraisal) Rights?

     Appraisal rights are not available to Forward shareholders with any of the proposals brought before the Annual Meeting.

Can a Shareholder Present a Proposal To Be Considered At the 2018 Annual Meeting?

     If you wish to submit a proposal to be considered at the 2018 Annual Meeting (“2018 Meeting”), the following is required:

• For a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in Forward’s Proxy Statement and proxy card for the 2018 Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which we refer to as the “Exchange Act,” our Corporate Secretary must receive the written proposal no later than August 18, 2017, which is 120 calendar days prior to the anniversary date Forward’s Proxy Statement was mailed to shareholders in connection with this Annual Meeting. Such proposals also must comply with SEC regulations under Rule 14a-8 regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company sponsored materials.
• Our Bylaws include advance notice provisions that require shareholders desiring to recommend or nominate individuals to the Board or who wish to present a proposal at the 2018 Meeting must do so in accordance with the terms of the advance notice provisions.
  For a shareholder proposal or a nomination that is not intended to be included in Forward’s Proxy Statement and proxy card under Rule 14a-8, our Corporate Secretary must receive the written proposal no later than 120 calendar days nor more than 150 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of this years Annual Meeting; Provided, however, that in the event that the 2018 Meeting is changed more than 30 days before or after such anniversary date, the proposal must be received no earlier than the close of business on the 120^th day prior to the 2018 Meeting and not later than the 90^th date prior to the 2018 Meeting or the 10^th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Company. If a shareholder fails to meet these deadlines and fails to satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, we may exercise discretionary voting authority under proxies we solicit to vote on any such proposal as we determine appropriate. Your notice must contain the specific information set forth in our Bylaws.
• Additionally, you must be a record holder at the time you deliver your notice to the Corporate Secretary and are entitled to vote at the 2018 Meeting.

     A nomination or other proposal will be disregarded if it does not comply with the above procedures. All proposals and nominations should be sent to Forward Industries, Inc., 477 Rosemary Avenue, Suite 219, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

     We reserve the right to amend our Bylaws and any change will apply to the 2018 Meeting unless otherwise specified in the amendment.

Interest of Officers and Directors in Matters to Be Acted Upon

     Except in the election to our board of nominees set forth herein, none of the officers or directors have any interest in any of the matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.

The Board Recommends that Shareholders Vote “For” Proposal Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

     We currently have five members of our Board, all of whose terms will expire at this Annual Meeting. The Board proposes the election of the following nominees as directors:

N. Scott Fine
Sharon Hrynkow
Howard Morgan
Sangita Shah
Terence Wise

     All of the nominees listed above is currently a director of Forward, have been nominated for election this year and have agreed to serve if elected. The five persons who receive the most votes cast will be elected and will serve as directors until the next Annual Meeting. If a nominee becomes unavailable for election before this Annual Meeting, the Board can name a substitute nominee and proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee unless an instruction to the contrary is written on the proxy card. Furthermore, we may appoint an additional person to our Board before the Annual Meeting. The principal occupation and certain other information about the nominees and our executive officers are set forth on the following pages.

The Board recommends a vote “For” the election of the nominated slate of directors.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        The following table represents our Board as of the record date:

Nominee Biographies

N. Scott Fine. Since September 14, 2015, Mr. Fine has been the Chief Executive Officer of CTD Holdings, Inc. (“CTD”), a specialty biopharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing company. Since February 2014, Mr. Fine has also served as a director of CTD. From 2004 until 2014, Mr. Fine was a principal at Scarsdale Equities, an investment banking firm. Mr. Fine currently sits on the Board of Directors Kenon Holdings Ltd, a spin-off from Israel Corporation Ltd. Mr. Fine formerly served as the Vice Chairman and Lead Director of Central European Distribution Corporation (“CEDC”), a multi-billion dollar alcohol and beverage company. Mr. Fine served as a director of CEDC for over a decade, during which time he co-managed its IPO and listing on NASDAQ, and led the CEDC Board’s successful efforts in 2013 to restructure the company through a pre-packaged Chapter 11 process whereby CEDC was acquired by the Russian Standard alcohol group. Mr. Fine was selected as a director for his over 30 years of experience evaluating companies as an investment banker and his experience as a director and board committee member.

Mr. Fine is our Lead Director.

Sharon Hrynkow. Dr. Sharon Hrynkow was the inaugural President of the Global Virus Network, a coalition of top medical virologists working to stem the spread of viral disease, between Oct. 2012 and Nov. 2015. She is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Global Health Consulting, LLC, and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs of CTD. Between 2010 and 2012, she was Counselor and Senior Scientist in the Secretary of State’s Office of Science and Technology and Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment and Science. Dr. Hrynkow served as a senior executive at the National Institute of Health from 2000 - 2012, primarily as Deputy Director of the John E. Fogarty International Center. She is an elected Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Hrynkow was selected as a director for her organizational leadership and management as well as her global networking experience.

Howard Morgan. Mr. Morgan has been the Managing Director of The Justwise Group Limited (“Justwise”), a company that specializes in the procurement of consumer durable products from Asia and is an established supplier to a list of major U.K. multi-channel retailers, since 1997. Since 2013, Mr. Morgan has served as the Chief Executive Officer and a board member of EuroFresh Ltd., a wholesale distributor of fresh produce in the United Kingdom and Europe. Mr. Morgan was selected as a director as a result of his significant business management and operational skills as well as his knowledge of foreign sourcing and developing products for large multiple organizations.

Sangita Shah. Ms. Shah currently serves as director and owner of Odyssean Enterprises Limited, a private advisory and investment company, in addition to serving as non-executive chairman of Bilby PLC and as a director of Swindon Town Football Club. Ms. Shah is also a board advisor to Global Reach Technology, a Fast Track WiFi SME, and a non-executive director for Zypha Technologies Inc. Ms. Shah previously worked in seed/mezzanine financing and strategic investments within the environmental and technology sectors following a number of senior roles held at KPMG and Ernst & Young. Ms. Shah was selected as a director for her board and accounting experience.

Terence Wise. Mr. Wise serves as principal and Chairman of Justwise which he founded in 1977. Mr. Wise also serves as a principal of Forward Industries Asia-Pacific Corporation (f/k/a Seaton Global Corporation) (“Forward China”), a buying and supplier agent in the Asia-Pacific region and has significant shareholdings in two furniture manufacturing plants in China. See the section titled “Related Person Transactions” below. Mr. Wise was selected as a director for his extensive experience in the Asian markets.

Except for Sharon Hrynkow, all of the directors were director designees of Mr. Wise in connection with a 2014 proxy contest.

See above for Mr. Terence Wise’s biography.

Michael Matte. Mr. Matte has served as Chief Financial Officer of Forward since June 2015. From May 2013 until March 2014, Mr. Matte served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of Aspen Group, Inc., an online distance-learning education service in the United States. Mr. Matte also served as an Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of MeetMe, Inc., a social discovery website, from October 2007 to March 2013.

There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers and directors. Our Bylaws require that each director is elected at our annual meeting of shareholders and holds office until the next annual meeting of shareholders, or until his successor is elected and qualified. See the section titled “Related Person Transactions”.

Corporate Governance

        Board Responsibilities

      The Board oversees, counsels, and directs management in the long-term interest of Forward and its shareholders. The Board’s responsibilities include establishing broad corporate policies and reviewing the overall performance of Forward. The Board is not, however, involved in the operating details on a day-to-day basis.

        Board Committees and Charters

      The Board and its Committees meet throughout the year and act by written consent from time-to-time as appropriate. The Board delegates various responsibilities and authority to different Board Committees. Committees regularly report on their activities and actions to the Board.

      The Board currently has and appoints the members of: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each of the Committees has a written charter which may be accessed through Forward’s website at: http://www.forwardindustries.com/corporate-governance.html.

      The following table identifies the independent and non-independent Board nominees and committee members:

      There were five board meetings held in fiscal 2016. All of the directors attended over 75% of the applicable Board and Committee meetings held in fiscal 2016. The Company does not have a policy regarding Board members attending the annual meeting.

        Director Independence

      Our Board has determined that N. Scott Fine, Sharon Hrynkow, Howard Morgan and Sangita Shah are independent in accordance with standards under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Our Board determined that as a result of being employed as an executive officer, Mr. Wise was not independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

      Our Board has also determined that N. Scott Fine, Sharon Hrynkow, Howard Morgan and Sangita Shah are independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules independence standards for Audit Committee members and Compensation Committee members.

Committees of the Board of Directors

        Audit Committee

      The Audit Committee reviews our financial reporting process on behalf of the Board and administers our engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, the evaluations of our internal controls, and the overall quality of our financial reporting. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls.

        Audit Committee Financial Expert

         Our Board has determined that Ms. Shah is qualified as an Audit Committee Financial Expert, as that term is defined by the rules of the SEC and in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        Compensation Committee

      The function of the Compensation Committee is to determine the compensation of our executive officers. The Compensation Committee has the power to set performance targets for determining periodic bonuses payable to executive officers and may review and make recommendations with respect to shareholder proposals related to compensation matters. Additionally, the Compensation Committee is responsible for administering the 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the “Plan.”

        Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

      The responsibilities of the Nominating Committee include the identification of individuals qualified to become Board members, the selection of nominees to stand for election as directors, the oversight of the selection and composition of committees of the Board, establish procedures for the nomination process including procedures, oversight of possible conflicts of interests involving the Board and its members, develop policies and procedures for related party transactions, develop corporate governance principles, and the oversight of the evaluations of the Board and management. The Nominating Committee has not established a policy with regard to the consideration of any candidates recommended by shareholders. If we receive any shareholder recommended nominations, the Nominating Committee will carefully review the recommendation(s) and consider such recommendation(s) in good faith.

Board Diversity

     While we do not have a formal policy on diversity, our Board considers diversity to include the skill set, background, reputation, type and length of business experience of our board members as well as a particular nominee’s contribution to that mix. Although there are many other factors, the board seeks individuals with experience in the sourcing industry and Asian markets, sales, legal and accounting skills and board experience.

Board Leadership Structure

     Our Board has determined that its current structure, with combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles and an independent Lead Director (Mr. N. Scott Fine), is in the best interests of Forward and its shareholders at this time. A number of factors support the leadership structure chosen by the Board, including, among others:

• The Chief Executive Officer is intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of Forward and is best positioned to elevate the most critical business issues for consideration by the Board.
• The Board believes that having the Chief Executive Officer serve in both capacities allows him to more effectively execute Forward’s strategic initiatives and business plans and confront its challenges.
• A combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer structure provides us with decisive and effective leadership with clearer accountability to our shareholders.
• The combined role is both counterbalanced and enhanced by the effective oversight and independence of our Board and the independent leadership provided by our Lead Director
• The Board believes that the appointment of a strong independent Lead Director and the use of regular executive sessions of the non-management directors, along with the Boards strong committee system and substantial majority of independent directors being independent except for the Chief Executive Officer, allow it to maintain effective oversight of management.

Role of Board in Risk Oversight

      Our risk management function is overseen by our Board. Our management keeps its Board apprised of material risks and provides its directors access to all information necessary for them to understand and evaluate how these risks interrelate, how they affect us, and how management addresses those risks. Terence Wise, as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and Michael Matte, our Chief Financial Officer, work closely together with the Board and our Lead Director, once material risks are identified on how to best address such risks. If the identified risk poses an actual or potential conflict with management, our independent directors may conduct the assessment. Presently, the primary risks affecting us are our ability to grow our business and obtain more customers.

Business Conduct and Ethics

      Our Board has adopted a Business Conduct and Ethics, or the Code of Ethics, that applies to all of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Although not required, the Code of Ethics also applies to our Board. The Code of Ethics provides written standards that we believe are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships, full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure and compliance with laws, rules and regulations, including insider trading, corporate opportunities and whistle-blowing or the prompt reporting of illegal or unethical behavior. A copy of our Code of Ethics may be accessed at http://forwardindustries.com/corporate-governance.html

Communication with our Board of Directors

      Although we do not have a formal policy regarding communications with the Board, shareholders may communicate with the Board by writing to us at Forward Industries, Inc., 477 Rosemary Avenue, Suite 219, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by facsimile (561) 465-0074. Shareholders who would like their submission directed to a member of the Board may so specify, and the communication will be forwarded, as appropriate.

Related Person Transactions

        Buying Agency and Supply Agreement

      On March 12, 2012, the Company entered into a Buying Agency and Supply Agreement (the “First Sourcing Agreement”) with Forward China. On March 13, 2014, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the First Sourcing Agreement with Forward China, dated as of March 11, 2014. The First Sourcing Agreement, as amended, provided that Forward China would act as the Company’s exclusive buying agent and supplier of products in the Asia Pacific region. The Company will purchase products at Forward China’s cost and pay Forward China a monthly fee for services it provides under the First Sourcing Agreement.

      On September 9, 2015, the Company entered into a Buying Agency and Supply Agreement (the “Second Sourcing Agreement”) with Forward Industries on substantially the same terms as First Sourcing Agreement, which was due to expire on September 11, 2015. The Second Sourcing Agreement provides that Forward China will act as the Company’s exclusive buying agent of carry and protective solutions in the APAC Region. Forward China also arranges for sourcing, manufacture and exportation of such products. The Company purchases products at cost and pays a service fee to the Forward China. The service fee is calculated at $100,000 monthly plus 4% of “Adjusted Gross Profit.” “Adjusted Gross Profit” is defined as the selling price less the cost from Forward China. The Agreement terminates on September 8, 2018, subject to renewal. Terence Wise, the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder, is a principal of Forward China. In addition, Jenny P. Yu, a Managing Director of Forward China, owns more than 5% of the Company’s common stock. The Company recognized approximately $1,466,000 and $1,522,000 of Forward China service fees during fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

     Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities with the SEC. These individuals are required by the regulations of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of the forms furnished to us, and written representations from reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required to report delinquent filings, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners were complied with during fiscal year 2016, except for the filing of Form 4s in connection with the February 2016 stock grants to the Company’s directors. As a result of an error by the Company’s legal counsel, the Form 4s for the February 2016 restricted stock grants were not filed by the following directors until September 30, 2016: Sangita Shah, Sharon Hrynkow, Scott Fine and Howard Morgan. Each late Form 4 reported one transaction.

Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof

     The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned as of the record date by (i) those persons known by us to be owners of more than 5% of our common stock, (ii) each director, (iii) our Named Executive Officers, and (iv) all of our executive officers and directors of as a group. Unless otherwise specified in the notes to this table, the address for each person is: c/o Forward Industries, Inc., 477 Rosemary Avenue, Suite 219, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.

Director Compensation

The Company pays annual cash compensation of $65,000 to its non-employee directors. Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company paid additional compensation to its directors as follows: (i) $10,000 to each committee chairperson; and (ii) a varying amount ($500 - $2,000) for attending meetings in person or via conference call.

Executive Compensation

Fiscal 2016 Summary Compensation Table

     The following information is related to the compensation paid, distributed or accrued by us for fiscal 2016 and 2015 to our Chief Executive Officer and the other most highly compensated executive officers serving at the end of the last fiscal year whose compensation exceeded $100,000, which we refer to as “Named Executive Officers.” During fiscal 2016, Messrs. Wise and Matte were the Company’s only executive officers.

(1) The amount shown under “Stock Awards” and “Options Awards” represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in each year shown in the Table computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. See Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016 for a description of the assumptions used in valuing awards of stock options and restricted stock grants.

(2) Represents compensation for service as a director.

Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements

———————

(1) Mr. Wise agreed to forego and shall not be entitled to other benefit, bonus, directors' fees, stock grants or other compensation for his service, including as a member of the Board during the term of the Employment Agreement.

(2) On November 1, 2015, Mr. Matte agreed to reduce his base salary to $150,000.

(3) Of the options: (i) 15,000 options vested on June 22, 2015, (ii) 15,000 options shall vest on June 22, 2017 and (iii) the remainder shall vest on June 22, 2018. Of the shares of common stock: (i) 15,000 shares vested on June 22, 2015, (ii) 15,000 shares shall vest on June 22, 2017 and (iii) the remainder shall vest on June 22, 2018.

Bonus

Mr. Matte will be eligible to receive a bonus based on the terms of the bonus plan and performance metrics that the Compensation Committee of the Board adopts, in its sole discretion, from year to year, which may range in an amount equal to or between 0 and 50% of Mr. Matte’s annual salary and may be awarded in a combination of cash, restricted stock, restricted stock units and/or other equity. As of the record date, the Compensation Committee had not adopted the terms of a bonus plan or set any performance metrics.

Termination Provisions

In the event Mr. Wise’s employment is terminated for any reason, he shall only be entitled to the payment of his accrued base salary up to the date of his termination and payment of any unreimbursed expenses.

In the event Mr. Matte terminates his employment for Good Reason, or in the event Mr. Matte’s employment is terminated without Cause, Mr. Matte shall be entitled to receive any earned and unpaid salary accrued through the date of termination, one year’s base salary, compensation for any unused vacation days and any unpaid benefits accrued through the termination date. Good Reason is generally defined as the material diminution of Mr. Matte’s duties, a decrease in salary, a relocation of Mr. Matte’s principal place of business more than 30 miles from West Palm Beach, Florida or any failure by the Company to perform any material obligation under the Employment Agreement. Cause is generally defined as willful misconduct, material breach of the Employment Agreement, the Company’s Insider Trading Policy or other material policy and/or the commission of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude.

Upon the expiration of Mr. Matte’s Employment Agreement, Mr. Matte shall be entitled to receive any earned and unpaid salary accrued through the date of termination, compensation for any unused vacation days and any unpaid benefits accrued through the expiration date.

Outstanding Awards at Fiscal Year End

Listed below is information with respect to unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards for each Named Executive Officer outstanding as of September 30, 2016:

———————

(1) 15,000 vest on June 22, 2017 and the remainder vest on June 22, 2018.

Risk Assessment Regarding Compensation Policies and Practices as they Relate to Risk Management

     Our compensation program for employees does not create incentives for excessive risk taking by our employees or involve risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. Our compensation has the following risk-limiting characteristics:

• Our base pay programs consist of competitive salary rates that represent a reasonable portion of total compensation and provide a reliable level of income on a regular basis, which decreases incentive on the part of our executives to take unnecessary or imprudent risks;
• A portion of executive incentive compensation opportunity is tied to long-term incentive compensation that emphasizes sustained performance over time. This reduces any incentive to take risks that might increase short-term compensation at the expense of longer term company results;
• Awards are not tied to formulas that could focus executives on specific short-term outcomes;
• Equity awards may be recovered by us should a restatement of earnings occur upon which incentive compensation awards were based, or in the event of other wrongdoing by the recipient; and
• Equity awards, generally, have multi-year vesting which aligns the long-term interests of our executives with those of our shareholders and, again, discourages the taking of short- term risk at the expense of long-term performance.

PROPOSAL 2.

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF OUR INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

     Our Board has appointed CohnReznick LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017. CohnReznick LLP has been Forward’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2010. Selection of Forward’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required to be submitted to a vote of the shareholders of Forward for ratification. However, Forward is submitting this matter to the shareholders as a matter of good corporate governance. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Board may, in its discretion, appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of Forward and its shareholders. If the appointment is not ratified, the Board will consider its options.

        A representative of CohnReznick LLP is not expected to be present at the Annual Meeting.

The Board recommends a vote “For” this proposal.

     The Audit Committee, which currently consists of Sangita Shah, Sharon Hrynkow, and Howard Morgan, reviews Forward’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board and administers our engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, the evaluations of our internal controls, and the overall quality of our financial reporting. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls.

     The Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and CohnReznick. Management represented to the Audit Committee that our financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the financial statements with management and CohnReznick. The Audit Committee reviewed with CohnReznick its judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of our accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.

Audit Committee Report

        The Audit Committee has:

• reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management;
• met privately with the independent registered public accounting firm and discussed matters required by Statement on Auditing Standard No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which we refer to as the “PCAOB”;
• received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm, as required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with its independent registered public accounting firm its independence from us; and
• in reliance on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 filed with the SEC.

This report is submitted by the Audit Committee.

Sangita Shah
Sharon Hrynkow
Howard Morgan

        The above Audit Committee Report is not deemed to be “soliciting material,” is not “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filings that Forward files with the SEC.

         It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to determine that Forward’s financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or to plan or conduct audits. Those are the responsibilities of management and Forward’s independent registered public accounting firm. In giving its recommendation to the Board, the Audit Committee has relied on: (1) management’s representations that such financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with GAAP; and (2) the report of Forward independent registered public accounting firm with respect to such financial statements.

Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policy

         The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services on a case-by-case basis. In its review of non-audit services, the Audit Committee considers whether the engagement could compromise the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm, and whether the reasons of efficiency or convenience is in our best interest to engage our independent registered public accounting firm to perform the services.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        All of the services provided and fees charged by CohnReznick LLP were approved by our Audit Committee. The following table shows the fees paid to CohnReznick LLP, our principal accountant for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

PROPOSAL 3. SHAREHOLDER ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

Overview

     Pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act and recent legislation, we are asking our shareholders to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, commonly referred to as the “say-on-pay” vote. In accordance with the Exchange Act requirements, we are providing our shareholders with an opportunity to express their views on our Named Executive Officers’ compensation. Although this advisory vote is nonbinding, our Board and the Committee will review and consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding our Named Executive Officer compensation and related executive compensation programs.

     We encourage shareholders to read the “Executive Compensation” section in this proxy statement, including the compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure, which describes the structure and amounts of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers in fiscal year 2016. The compensation of our Named Executive Officers is designed to enable us to attract and retain talented and experienced executives to lead us successfully in a competitive environment. The Committee and our Board believe that our executive compensation strikes the appropriate balance between utilizing responsible, measured pay practices and effectively incentivizing our Named Executive Officers to dedicate themselves fully to value creation for our shareholders.

Accordingly, we ask our shareholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to Forward’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation tables and narrative discussion is hereby APPROVED.”

The Board recommends a vote “For” this proposal.

OTHER MATTERS

     Forward has no knowledge of any other matters that may come before the Annual Meeting and does not intend to present any other matters. However, if any other matters shall properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment, the persons soliciting proxies will have the discretion to vote as they see fit unless directed otherwise.

     If you do not plan to attend the Annual Meeting, in order that your shares may be represented and in order to assure the required quorum, please sign, date and return your proxy promptly. In the event you are able to attend the Annual Meeting, at your request, Forward will cancel your previously submitted proxy.

Annex A

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS – FEBRUARY 9, 2017 AT 10:00 AM

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
If you vote by phone or internet, please DO NOT mail your proxy card.

MAIL: Please mark, sign, date, and return this Proxy Card promptly using the enclosed envelope.

PHONE: Call 1 (800) 690-6903

INTERNET:https://www.proxyvote.com

 

Control ID:
Proxy ID:
Password:

MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE ¨ New Address (if applicable):

 ____________________________

____________________________

 ____________________________

IMPORTANT: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

Dated: ________________________, 201___

The shareholder(s) hereby appoints Terence Wise and Michael Matte, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of voting stock of FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. that the shareholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholder(s) to be held at 10:00 a.m., New York time on February 9, 2017, at Forward’s headquarters, located at 477 Rosemary Avenue, Suite 219, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted “FOR” all of the nominees in Proposal 1 and “FOR” Proposals 2 and 3. If any other business is presented at the meeting, this proxy will be voted by the above-named proxies at the direction of the Board of Directors. At the present time, the Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the meeting.

Proposal:

1. To elect members to Forward’s Board of Directors.