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.

Google for Entrepreneurs announced Thursday that Peanut Butter, an 1871 member company that helps employers offer student loan assistance, will join the 2017 Google Demo Day. Peanut Butter and other companies selected from across the network will travel to the Bay Area in June to to showcase their innovative technology to investors at the event and to an international audience via a livestream.

At 1871, it is part of our core values to provide resources and support to every single subset of our diverse community and to level the playing field for entrepreneurs so they have every ability to build their businesses successfully. Today, we are announcing a new benefit for our members that will allow themselves and their employees to deal with immigration-related issues efficiently and effectively.

 The Chicago Connectory, an Internet of Things (IoT) innovation space in the historic Merchandise Mart, launches today as a new center for IoT co-creation in Chicago and the Midwest United States. Startup organizations, corporations and universities will collaborate at the Chicago Connectory through membership, programming and strategic partnerships to create IoT solutions and business models.

1871 marked its 5th birthday in Chicago Tuesday by announcing a massive celebration for the elite tech community from the city and beyond that has helped build and nourish its unique ecosystem inside The Merchandise Mart over the past half-decade. 

BMO Harris Bank today announced a partnership with 1871 – a leading technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem which is currently home to nearly 500 high-growth digital startups in the Merchandise Mart– that will provide a select group of FinTech startups the opportunity to participate in a three-month mentorship program. 

1871 is excited to announce WiSTEM’s new Programming Partnership with InvestHER.  Lakshmi Shenoy, 1871’s Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, spoke with Gerri Kahnweiler and Cayla Weisberg about the goals of the partnership and their vision for women entrepreneurs:

Students from seven Chicago-area University Partners are set to participate in a long weekend of immersive workshops, mentorshop, and pitch practice beginning March 31. A record number of students will participate this year in what has become a hugely-anticipated event by university students.