There has never been a more important time to encourage and support aspiring and active entrepreneurs and small business owners. They are the key to Chicago’s economic recovery. In response, Chicago-based 1871 will unveil DGTL (“digital”) and Small Business Initiative, two new pilots to energize small businesses and entrepreneurs across the neighborhoods of Chicago and beyond with tools like unique resources and access to industry experts at no cost. The introduction of these pilots underscores 1871’s mission to inspire, equip, and support extraordinary businesses, whether they are an existing part of the 1871 community or not. Powered by Exelon, the DGTL pilot is a new learning platform that is 100 percent designed to meet the entrepreneur where they are, and allows them to succeed with flexible access to empowering content. DGTL is developed on NovoEd and includes 1871’s core curriculum and supplemental workshops on leadership, communication, influence, problem solving, and more. DGTL will officially launch in January of 2021. For information regarding the pilot or how to join DGTL, visit 1871.com/membership/dgtl.