The initiative is backed by GET (Gender Equality in Tech) Cities and supported by their Tech Equity Working Group (TEWG), which was organized in 2021 with the goal of increasing BIPOC and gender diversity in entrepreneurship in Chicago.
The TEWG today announced that it is deploying $1 million to scale five successful pilot programs, including the Chicago Tech Equity Desk at the Polsky Exchange.
With additional support from Verizon, this year’s initiative consists of two parts: the E-Commerce Learning Lab, which brings e-commerce training and fulfillment support to 20 products-based businesses through 37 Oaks, and the Web Dev Shop, which will supply 12 businesses a grant for upgraded web services, web design, and digital storytelling through contracts with diverse tech vendors.
“Access to tech that expands markets, automates repetitive tasks, and engages customers creates capacity for growth in South Side businesses. We are proud to partner with GET Cities, 37 Oaks, and Verizon to bring tech enablement resources and grants to talented founders at the Polsky Exchange,” said Abigail Ingram, executive director of the Polsky Exchange.
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This story was published first by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.