On March 5, 2021, we joined our partner Discover to welcome hundreds of professionals, business leaders, and allies to our annual International Women’s Day celebration! This year’s virtual format brought together attendees from around the world for a morning of workshops, networking, and incredible speakers. Together, we took the pledge to #ChooseToChallenge, our call to envision a better, more equitable future for women by improving ourselves, uplifting others, and joining as leaders for change.

On Tuesday, December 1st, 1871 hosted the final installment in a series of six policy forums supported by a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact on small businesses throughout the United States, we assembled a panel of leaders to discuss how federal and state policymakers can best support small business owners. Our panelists included:

This International Women’s Day at 1871 was remarkable! The impact was so strong because of the thought leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals like you in our community. It was a day dedicated to covering topics that concern everyone, from a woman’s perspective. Underscoring this year’s theme “Each for Equal,” everyone was invited to join in on panels, breakout discussions, and fireside chats ranging from product design to health and wellness.

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J Blaszczykiewicz

It's the time of the year for gifts, eggnog, and all-around cheer. While we love winter wonderlands, we understand if it's just a little too cold to go outside at the moment. Instead, take a minute to cozy up in front of a warm fireplace and check out 1871's greatest hits from this past year -- in case you've been out of the loop on Twitter, here are The 12 Days of 1871.

Last week, 10 female entrepreneurs from Chicago's tech and entrepreneur community presented their business ideas in front of a packed auditorium at 1871. The event, which helps founders generate leads and connect with investors, officially marks their graduation from our eighth WiSTEM cohort. To celebrate this achievement, we asked them to reflect on the 12-week program in their own words. Here are their 'words of WiSTEM.'

Last week, 1871 and the CEC held the 11th Annual Momentum Awards Dinner in celebration of Chicago's fast-growing community of innovators, pioneers, and entrepreneurs. This year's event observed the theme of an emergent tech ecosystem, which includes emerging technologies, leaders, and opportunities that embody the creative potential of change and innovation. During the ceremony, a number of awards were presented to local companies and entrepreneurs who embody the emerging and creative potential of change and innovation – in case you couldn't make it, we've got everything that you missed right here. 

Last week, 1871 and ANA, Japan's largest airline, held a joint Fireside Chat to look at disruptive technologies and the future of global transportation. In front of a packed room, ANA Digital Lab Design team members Kevin Kajitani and Akira Fukabori, spoke about their innovative project, AVATAR, a platform that can transport a human's senses, actions, and presence to a remote location in real time, leading to a more connected world. 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler also shared a number of cutting-edge tech trends that will shape the future for years ahead.

FUND Conference returns to Michigan Avenue on October 25th in support of early stage companies and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. If you’re looking to meet active investors, make valuable connections, and learn from prominent business leaders, FUND Conference is the event to attend this fall! FUND connects growing businesses across all industries with accredited investors from over 25 states.

Yesterday evening, 12 women entrepreneurs from Chicago's tech and entrepreneur community showcased their businesses in front of a full auditorium at 1871. The showcase, which helps each founder generate leads and connect with investors, officially marks their graduation from our seventh WiSTEM cohort. To celebrate this achievement, we asked them to share their experiences and most memorable moments with us in their own words. From tough moments and challenges to triumphs and business breakthroughs, we hope you enjoy hearing their stories as much as we did.