Build upon your PYROS experience in 1871’s new 12-week accelerator and mentoring initiative devoted to building Black-led startups in the tech sector.
ABOUT THE ACCELERATOR
Building a business as a Black founder can present unique challenges to what is an already unclear process.
1871’s BLK•Tech accelerator group unlocks a new world of opportunities for founders through peer-learning, dedicated one-on-one mentoring, and exclusive programming.
The first cohort will run from February 2, 2021 to April 20, 2021.
Resources Tailored
to YOUR SUCCESS
Discover a cohort of innovators who will support and uplift you on your entrepreneurial journey in the BLK•Tech accelerator. BLK•Tech complements 1871’s PYROS program with tailored resources and opportunities to maximize your success.
FOUNDING sponsors
supporting black founders
“Chicago has long been a center of Black Business in the US. I am excited that 1871 has committed to ensuring this legacy isn’t extinguished, by equipping the next generation of Black entrepreneurs with tools and networks that will help them succeed in the New Economy. The BLK•Tech accelerator will not only benefit Black entrepreneurs in Chicago, but it will expand economic opportunities for the city overall.”
Boyede Sobitan
Co-Founder & CEO of OjaExpress
“Black entrepreneurs have a unique experience as it relates to finding and managing resources to get a business idea off the ground. The BLK•Tech Accelerator is much needed to help provide additional support to entrepreneurs who are rich in creativity, determination, and cultural influence, but must learn how to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship with more obstacles. I’m excited about what this accelerator means for Black entrepreneurs in the city of Chicago and beyond. Being a Black entrepreneurs often means you’re over advised and underfunded. We must learn to do more with less and history shows that with a fighting chance we can make amazing contributions to society.”
Jeff Osuji
Founder of Eventnoire
THE DETAILS
BLK•Tech is designed for Black founders that are in either the ideation or build stage of their business. Led by a dedicated program manager and entrepreneur-in-residence (EIR), the program is made up of leadership development workshops, roundtables, EIR office hours, and intimate and confidential discussion time known as shareouts. Programming will tackle a variety of pertinent topics such as confronting representation syndrome in tech, tackling tough conversations, owning the room and playing to your strengths, and more.
The program will run on Tuesdays for a total of 12 weeks in conjunction with PYROS, and will culminate in an annual demo day showcase.
1871 membership is required to join the BLK•Tech accelerator group. Click here to apply for membership!
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN
Week 1: BLK•Tech Kick-off event
Week 2: Shareouts
Week 3: Roundtable
Week 4: Leadership Development Workshop
Week 5: Shareouts
Week 6: Roundtable
Week 7: Leadership Development Workshop
Week 8: Shareouts
Week 9: Roundtable
Week 10: Leadership Development Workshop
Week 11: Shareouts
Week 12: Roundtable
Final Week: Demo Day