23-Feb-20 – Two Chicago nonprofits that nurture growing businesses have merged.

Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, which operates the tech hub 1871 at Merchandise Mart in River North, has acquired Illinois Technology Association.

While 1871 specializes in startups, ITA focuses on older-but-still-growing companies, providing tech personnel and training. It is located in the Civic Opera Building on Wacker Drive.

“ITA has played a major role in the Chicago tech community for years,” said Larry Eppley (left), Chairman of 1871. “Their programs are among the best of their kind.” ITA Chairman Jeremie Bacon said the impact of his company, which was founded in 2005, “will continue to expand under this new structure and 1871’s leadership.”

“The technology industry in Chicago has come a long way in recent years and one reason for that is the tech hub that is 1871,” said 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chairman of the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development. “Now that 1871 and ITA have joined forces, I know that the city will benefit with more tech jobs, revenue, and opportunities.”

Founded in 2012, 1871 says it is ranked as the top private business incubator in the world. Its co-working space at Merchandise Mart is home to about 450 startups.