1871 announced Friday the arrival of three Finland-based startups, marking the first time partner company Sente Advisory Services has welcomed companies from the Finland to Chicago as part of Sente’s ongoing international efforts on behalf of 1871 and Chicago. The purpose of the program is to invite companies from overseas to Chicago in hopes that these companies are able to gain entry into the U.S. market through the relationships, introductions and efforts of the program.

1871 announced Thursday the expansion of WiSTEM, its women-focused entrepreneurship program that tackles major barriers faced by women in the entrepreneurship community. The expansion -- made possible by grant funding from JPMorgan Chase among other sponsors -- will allow for three cohort-based programs in 2017 that focus on capital, community and technology -- adding an extra cohort for the year. 

Civis Analytics and @properties were honored as the 2016 Merrick Momentum Awards winners at the 9th Annual Momentum Awards Dinner, held by the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center Thursday evening at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The coveted award honors businesses that are on track to become the next great companies to emerge in Chicago.

The 9th Annual Momentum Dinner at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel was an enormous success, bringing together the best and brightest in Chicago to once again to celebrate the past, present and future of the Chicago entrepreneur. Hosted for the benefit of 1871 by the CEC, the 2016 Momentum Awards welcomed more than 800 guests to celebrate “Impact and Purpose” -- a theme that recognized the leaders in the community who embody the unique and unselfish spirit of the entrepreneurial community in Chicago.