To celebrate the opening of their stunning new store on Michigan Avenue on October 20, Apple has joined forces with 1871 and a handful of other select local organizations to produce Today @ Apple: The Chicago Series, a month-long set of in-store events that aim to inspire, connect, educate and support attendees in the pursuit of their creative and entrepreneurial passions.
As part of this partnership, 1871 will be presenting “Accelerate Your Startup Idea,” a four-part series that will provide attendees with the essential building blocks of starting their own technology business through engaging and interactive sessions led by a diverse range of industry experts from the 1871 community.
The first session will be held on Monday, October 23 and will be led by 1871 CEO and serial entrepreneur Howard Tullman along with facilitators and 1871 mentors Demetrio Cardona-Maguigad and Emily Lonigro-Boylan of LimeRed Studio, a Chicago UX-design agency. This inspiring and interactive talk will introduce attendees to the concept of socially impactful enterprises and help groups brainstorm ideas.
Lonigro-Boylan returns for the second session on Monday, October 30, this time diving into the business model canvas tool to describe and design business ideas as well as incorporating dynamic pitch practice. Attendees will receive real-time feedback from experts in the field and participate in fun and interactive pitch exercises, learning to share their ideas in a compelling and concise manner.
The series then shifts from pitching to product. The third session, held on Monday, November 6, will focus on the different approaches to building a technical product with a high-powered panel featuring 1871 mentors and experts in the product space. The session will also include a hands-on exercise on AR technology with Ed LaHood, Founder of Thyng, a brand engagement solution which leverages the Apple AR kit.
The series will culminate on Monday, November 13 with a special lineup of startup entrepreneurs from the 1871 community who will come together to discuss actionable next steps for budding entrepreneurs, along with unique insights, potential pitfalls and their personal approaches to entrepreneurship.
At the end of the program, Apple will select one business idea which will receive additional support in the form of an 1871 membership and tools provided by Apple.
With this partnership, 1871 hopes to foster inclusive community engagement aimed at helping Chicagoans from all backgrounds learn entrepreneurial skills and develop a deeper understanding of how individual pursuits can make a measurable impact on the city of Chicago and beyond.
1871 is hardly a stranger in partnering with Apple on innovative programming. Every other Wednesday at 1871, Apple representatives offer office hours centered around product and business development support for 1871’s members. Additionally, Howard Tullman has previously given his tech trends talk -- an in-depth overview of insights into changing technologies and business models he delivers around the world -- at Apple’s current Michigan Avenue location.
Other local organizations providing programming for Today @ Apple include local artists Theaster Gates and Black Monks of Mississippi, innovation center BLUE 1647, art and technology company VSCO (of Instagram fame) and Young Chicago Authors.
Sign up for The Chicago Series now.
Check out the official annoucement from Apple on the opening of their new store and The Chicago Series.
