1871

1871 is a not-for-profit community that helps digital designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs build their startups and share ideas.

'1871 is a not-for-profit community endeavor and an entrepreneurial hub for digital startups. It is a collaborative space that helps digital designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs build their startups, share ideas, and change the world. Located in the famed Merchandise Mart, the 50,000-square-foot facility provides Chicago startups with programming, access to mentors, educational resources, potential investors, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs that help them on their path to building successful businesses. 1871 is the flagship project of the CEC.'