Right moves only
We get it. Running a business is hard. Why not have a support system to launch and scale — that’s us.
Built for early stage
& growth stage
Whether you’re building your first startup or scaling a business, joining 1871 means you’ll never be lonely along the way.
You’ll have unlimited access to a matched group of peers, innovators, trusted resources, and business services that will help you explore, build, launch, and grow with more agility.
1871-ers get access to over $150K of exclusive perks like SaaS products, web development services, and more!
Our educational resources include live workshops, digital curriculum, community tech-stack, and a network of over 250 industry experts.
From idea to IPO, 1871 is supporting you while you discover what’s next. Ask about our new virtual membership below!
In good company
⅓ of Chicago startups have come through 1871. Supporting critical moments of business development is why we’re doing the work every day.
As you grow, our resources to you shift at each new turn. We’re on this adventure with you.
1871-ers have access to:
- PYROS | In-person and digital access to curriculum built for businesses to explore, build, launch, and grow
- Community of Experts | Industry partners, mentors, and investors whenever you need it
- Trusted Spaces | Programs and digital environments unique your background, industry, business model, role, or technology type
- Sync Up | Find workshops, mentors, and fellow founders via our techstack and digital workspaces
- Be the Host | Hold clients, investor meetings, or events
- Level Up | Attend workshops, programming, and events that help to enhance exactly what you or your team needs
- A New Soap Box | Share your exciting news across our platforms
- Centralized Resources | 1871’s member portal that holds all workshops, mentor sessions, events, exclusive perks, and discounts!
- Grow Your Team | Discounted recruiting services
- Employee Benefits | Ensure team wellness with 1871 health benefits options, financial literacy platforms, and student loan repayment
PYROS
PYROS is standard across all membership types and provides the peer-to-peer fit you most need.
Stay on your trajectory with an industry-vetted business curriculum composed of invaluable resources for your specific journey.
Learn key concepts from industry experts with a community of those who are experiencing the same business stage as you. Now 100% virtual!
WMN•FINtech
A Women in Fintech Initiative by 1871 and BMO Harris Bank
Create a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society by applying to WMN•FINtech, the Fourth Annual 1871 and BMO Harris Bank Innovation Program, designed this year for Women in the Financial Technology and Services industries.
Applications for WMN•FINtech have closed.
Mentorship
If you’ve built a successful business, you understand the value of professional mentors. If you’re just starting out, mentorship is the quickest way to start discovering your roadmap.
Scale Chicago tech
1871 recently integrated the Illinois Technology Association under the CEC: find out more about how to gain access to talent and large, collaborative tech networks. Whether you are looking to build your team, promote your business or collaborate with like-minded tech executives, we’ve got you covered.
Next-level propulsion
Community
Integral to the entire 1871 experience is the camaraderie of dedicated peers that you’ll meet while going through the journey of building a business.
Partners
The X factor that keeps our startups’ momentum moving is the access to an ecosystem made up of community & university members, corporate partners, and accelerator organizations.
Events
From industry titans like Stripe and Twitter to educational seminars and community based meet-ups, host or join alongside our community in one of our many private spaces.
What’s been happening?
Get in Touch
Interested in joining the community of founders at Chicago’s central digital technology hub, but not sure where to begin? Leave us a message and we will get in touch.
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
Floor 12, Suite 1212
Chicago, IL 60654