<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0206</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2024-02-20</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>1</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000919864</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>Finward Bancorp</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>FNWD</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0002012759</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>Schmitt Benjamin Louis</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>9204 COLUMBIA AVENUE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>MUNSTER</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IN</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>46321</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isOfficer>true</isOfficer>
            <officerTitle>Senior VP, CFO &amp; Treasurer</officerTitle>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <remarks>Exhibit List:  Exhibit 24 - Power of Attorney</remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ Benjamin Louis Schmitt</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2024-02-27</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
