For a whole host of reasons, 1871 believes Chicago is the best place in the country for women entrepreneurs to start a business. With that in mind, we’ve created WiSTEM, a 12-week, curriculum-based program that connects women to capital, community, and technology resources. 

The WISTEM program offers:

• A tailored experience – WiSTEM is a rigorous, yet flexible program structured around the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs
• Content and mentorship designed specifically around the individual companies admitted into the program
• Access to the 1871 community and all of its resources including office space
• Mentorship from some of Chicago’s top female (and male) business leaders
• Access to 1871’s top University partnerships including University of Illinois, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Loyola University Chicago, and the Illinois Institute of Technology
• Access to capital through 1871’s strong connections to the city’s top venture capitalists
• Local and national exposure through 1871’s strong media connections

 

You qualify for WiSTEM if you:

• Have at least one woman as a co-founder
• Have a technology or tech-enabled business

 

Stay connected by subscribing to the WiSTEM newsletter. Get application updates, news, and important event information straight to your inbox!

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