1871 Steps Forward by PJ Rashid, Popskull, Inc

Based on our experience holding workshops for the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC), we couldn’t be more excited about the chance to help companies at 1871. The new startup center is a compelling hub of energy, synergy and opportunity.

We were hooked the day we held our first marketing strategy workshop for a dozen early stage tech companies . It was amazing to teach a group of smart, driven and dynamic people how to effectively grow demand for their companies. But it was also their pervasive sense of camaraderie that really impressed us. This spirit of “we all rise together” is a critical element and one that forges the CEC into a powerful experience for everyone involved.

We saw it in action when workshop participants paired-off to provide feedback on each otherʼs websites. It was inspiring to see everyoneʼs passion for helping their partner with valuable business insights. So much so, that it moved us to create a new offering specifically designed to help start-ups and small businesses cost-efficiently market themselves in todayʼs media rich environment.

With 1871, the best is clearly yet to come. The space is an impressive step forward for the CECʼs work. In many ways, it could be the spark that ignites Chicago’s incredible potential to become a renowned tech garden. We canʼt wait to see how the ideas will shape our lives.

As business owners and Chicago natives, itʼs a thrill to be just a small part of it all.