Emanuel to 1871: 300 jobs down, 40,000 to go

1871

(Above) Mayor Rahm Emanuel at 1871 during a visit on February 23 to announce a $300 million digital manufacturing facility that will be built on Goose Island. (Photo obtained from 1871.)

April 1, 2014 – 30 companies that have “graduated” from the business incubator at Merchandise Mart have created 300 jobs so far. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel made the announcement during a visit on Tuesday.

He also said 1871 companies have raised more than $30 million in venture capital. Companies with names like AdYapper, CharlieHQ, Eli’s Cheesecake, Food Genuis, Human Practice, Modest, Occasion, Rocket Miles, and SpotHero.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and technology companies are creating the new jobs of the present and the future,” said Emanuel. “These companies are building the next generation of Chicago’s economy. I will continue to build an environment that attracts talented people and thriving companies to Chicago.”

Last year, Emanuel set a goal of 40,000 new technology jobs over the next decade, which would double the city’s tech economy. Chicago got 2,000 workers last month when Motorola Mobility moved into Merchandise Mart, a few floors above 1871.

1871 currently houses 250 companies in its 50,000 square foot facility on the 12th floor of Merchandise Mart.