Emanuel, Quinn celebrate digital startup hub
CHICAGO — A Chicago hub for digital startups has created 800 jobs and attracted nearly $30 million in capital investments in its first year.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn joined leaders from the center known as 1871 to mark its anniversary on Friday.
1871 is a co-working center in Chicago's Merchandise Mart. It offers entrepreneurs affordable workspace and access to mentors, educational resources and potential investors.
It is operated by the nonprofit Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and is home to 225 startups.
Emanuel says the success of 1871 is "a shining example of this community coming together to lead business innovation, create jobs and have a major economic impact."
A survey of 1871's founding member companies found they expect 1,342 more jobs will be created in the next 12 months.