Goodcity
Chicago Announces Partnership with 1871Partnership will
empower communities throughout Chicago with technology resources, educational
opportunities and events focused on fostering innovative solutions for
underserved communitiesCHICAGO (June 11, 2015) –
1871, Chicago’s leading hub for digital startups, joined Goodcity Chicago today
to announce a partnership to bring technology to social entrepreneurs working in
31 under-resourced communities in the city of Chicago. The partnership will
provide technology resources, educational opportunities, and community events to
support entrepreneurship throughout the city.
“1871’s primary focus is on
helping entrepreneurs develop successful businesses that are focused not just on
raising money, but also on making a difference,” said 1871 CEO Howard A.
Tullman. “We are excited to work with Goodcity to support the entrepreneurs that
are working to address important issues in their communities, and believe that
technology will allow these businesses to develop more efficiently and
strategically.”
As part of their partnership, 1871 and Goodcity Chicago
will create IDEASHARE, a platform to crowdsource and launch innovative ideas
from individuals living in Chicago who are solving important issues within their
communities. They will also promote technology investment through INVEST
Chicago, a portfolio fund for social entrepreneurs managed by Goodcity Chicago.
1871 will provide mentoring, office space, and strategic advising as the fund
develops. The fund will be focused on providing seed funding for entrepreneurs
working to start a nonprofit or a for-profit business addressing issues in
underserved Chicago communities.
In addition, the partnership will create
and facilitate
Idea Incubator events in local communities in order to
identify the next generation of tech entrepreneurs creating impact. 1871 and
Goodcity Chicago will also host events for members of 1871 to engage with
entrepreneurs and community leaders around diversity in the technology industry
and other issues facing under-resourced communities in Chicago.
“We are
tremendously excited about our partnership with 1871. We believe it presents an
exciting opportunity for the Chicago entrepreneurs Goodcity works with to learn
and connect with 1871 visionaries who are developing incredible projects,” said
Goodcity Chicago President Jimmy Lee. “We believe there is great innovation and
good work happening in communities like Roseland, Humboldt Park, Austin,
Lawndale, and this partnership will be mutually beneficial to both of our
organizations.”
In April, 1871 hosted the launch of GoodWorkChicago,
Goodcity Chicago’s three-day forum on fostering innovative social impact in
Chicago with government leaders, nonprofit leaders, funders, and for-profit
entrepreneurs. Those interested in learning more can visit
http://www.goodworkchicago.org/.
About
GoodcityGoodcity is committed to identifying, starting and growing
social entrepreneurs who are making a difference in under-resourced communities
in the Chicagoland area. We work with both non-profit and for-profit
organizations that promote self-sufficiency, hope and purpose in their
communities. As a part of this effort, Goodcity has launched
GoodWorkChicago and
INVEST Chicago. Learn more at
www.goodcitychicago.org.About
18711871 is the home of more than 325 early-stage, high-growth
digital startups. Located in The Merchandise Mart, this 75,000 square foot
facility is also the headquarters of nationally recognized accelerators,
Techstars Chicago and Impact Engine; half a dozen industry-specific incubators
in key areas such as real estate, education technology, food and financial
technology; several emerging tech talent schools (Flatiron, The Fullbridge
Program, Designation and the Startup Institute), and the state's leading
technology advocate, the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. It is the
second home to Chicago-based VCs, Pritzker Group Venture Capital, MATH Venture
Partners, Hyde Park Angels, OCA Ventures, OurCrowd and Chicago Ventures, as well
as satellite offices for Northwestern University, University of Illinois,
University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois Institute of
Technology, and DeVry. 1871 has fast become recognized as the hub for the city’s
entrepreneurial/technology ecosystem and has been featured in TechCrunch, Wall
Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business
among other top media. 1871 is the flagship project of the Chicagoland
Entrepreneurial Center.
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