1871 announced today that Mesirow Financial will join the community as a corporate partner alongside over 100 other companies, institutions, and centers of higher education.
The partnership will include a financial contribution in support of 1871’s women-focused programming and outreach efforts, which include augmenting the programmatic offerings of WiSTEM, 1871’s accelerator program for women-founded startups, advancing 1871’s goals in achieving gender parity across different arms of the organization (gender parity in 1871’s mentor roster was achieved in August 2017), and supporting ChiBuys, 1871’s program in support of local women- and minority-founded caterers, among others.
Mesirow Financial will gain access to 1871’s space, member network, and programs aimed at developing relationships between corporations and startups. The company’s commitment to supporting Chicago’s entrepreneurs also manifests in the recently announced 401k retirement exchange, a new benefit offered to 1871 members through Mesirow and Transamerica Retirement Solutions.
“The 1871 ecosystem is proof positive that when corporations sit on the same side of the table as startups, Chicago’s economy as a whole is uplifted,” said 1871 CEO Howard A. Tullman. “With their support, we are able to route more resources and human capital towards programs that will benefit the city’s entrepreneurs, giving rise to increased opportunity for all. We are thrilled about Mesirow’s continued involvement with 1871, and look forward to seeing the impact this partnership will have on our inclusion efforts and the entrepreneurial community at large.” —Howard A. Tullman, CEO, 1871
As an outgrowth of Mesirow’s larger partnership with 1871, the 1871 employee handbook now includes information and resources from Chicago Says No More, an organization founded by Mesirow CFO and COO Kristie Paskvan, which is dedicated to addressing the challenges of domestic violence and sexual assault in Chicago.
“The ways in which Mesirow and other corporations can engage with the startup community are endless, and we are excited to explore these opportunities with 1871. Our growing partnership is ground for increased experimentation, creativity, and innovation -- not only with services and products, but in the myriad ways big brands and small businesses can strengthen each other.” —Kristie Paskvan, COO/CFO, Mesirow Financial
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