The pet care industry is valued at more than $70 billion dollars, and increasingly, tech- enabled companies are creating new, innovative ways to care for the furry friends we love. From financial solutions to medical care to education, Chicago pet care startups have created a unique community committed to changing the industry. 

“This is what the city of Chicago looks like.” It’s a phrase uttered frequently at 1871 by COO Tom Alexander, but at our 1871 For All discussion on diversity and inclusion in tech during TechWeek, the venue and timing were extremely appropriate.

1871 announced Friday the release of its 2016 Annual Report and a separate, voluntary disclosure of its financial performance in Fiscal Year 2016, which included nearly $600,000 in net operating income and about $7.5 million in revenue for the year.

In a time when we are being overwhelmed by apps that promise everything, the critical piece is having a motivated work force that can deliver the whole experience.

With a network of more than 300 professionals from every industry, the mentor program is the crown jewel of 1871. Every day, mentors dedicate their time and expertise guiding our members from issues ranging from legal to tech and everywhere in between, forming valuable relationships and producing concrete outcomes. Each week, we’ll be highlighting one of our mentors to learn about who they are and what makes them tick! First up - Donna Rockin!

The 1871/IHCC Hispanic Technology Incubator is a cohort-based accelerator that provides Latinx-led businesses with programming and mentorship. We asked each of the participating entrepreneurs about what makes them tick, and this week, we say hello to Renata Bregstone, Founder of Blazin' Babes, a women's professional networking organization.

This isn't about an online behemoth acquiring a struggling high-end grocery store. It's about altering our relationship with shopping in an entirely new way.

The primary objective of the CEC is to support and expand the Chicagoland entrepreneurial ecosystem through its flagship project, 1871. For this reason, 1871 is the city’s central home to entrepreneurs, tech talent, mentors, new and growing companies, schools and universities, venture capitalists, and mature corporations as well – all important parts of what it takes to build businesses that will shape and change the future. 

The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy today announced the launch of the Harris Public Policy Evening Master’s Program at 1871. Students who enroll in this four quarter, part-time degree program will earn an MA in Public Policy, gaining a solid foundation in the fundamentals of data analytics, economic analysis, leadership and the strategic foundations of public policy. 

1871 was selected by ChicagoNEXT, World Business Chicago (WBC) and the Blackstone Charitable Foundation to join a cohort of organizations who will receive grant funding from the Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Challenge. The Blackstone Challenge is a three-year pilot program awarding up to $3 million to innovative organizations that effectively support diverse entrepreneurs and scale start-ups in the Chicago area.