BMO Harris and 1871 made a historic first step with the latest evolution of their Innovation Program on April 27th. This is the first time the partnering Bank and Incubator will hold a program focused entirely on women entrepreneurs in fintech—called WMN•FINtech with applications being accepted through May 11th.
1871’s CEO, Betsy Ziegler, said, “We are so excited to launch our first WMN•FINtech cohort, doubling down on women founders focused on solving the hardest finance problems. The time is now, and BMO Harris Bank is the perfect partner given their strength as a financial institution and their long held mission to provide opportunities for women to come up and be powerful.”
In spite of the growing number of inclusive policies and practices around the globe, the tech and startup community still has a significant gender gap. The partnership seeks to close the gap, letting more women entrepreneurs have the tools they need to bring their products and cutting-edge technologies into the limelight.
Selected startups gain access to a three-month mentoring program, four-month membership and working space at 1871 and the opportunity to pitch their idea to venture capital investors for advice and connections. Also accessible is 1871’s “PYROS” initiative, giving interested startups another path to scale their fintech or service business.
Applications must be a startup with a woman founder or co-founder be based in the United States, providing solutions or services for the financial sector.
