The story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 isn't really about the fire. It's about what happened next—a remarkable moment when the most brilliant engineers, architects, and inventors came together to build a new city. Their innovations—born of passion and practical ingenuity—shaped not just Chicago but also the modern world. What started 140 years ago continues to this day.
1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support extraordinary tech businesses. We deliver unfair advantages at scale. The team supports members made up of Chicago's brightest digital designers, engineers, and leaders shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what's possible.
Come to a place where you can share ideas, make mistakes, partner with others, work hard, grow professionally and change the world with a bit of luck. If that sounds like you, join us!
1871 seeks a professionally driven, detail-oriented, and highly motivated summer intern to support its Corporate Innovation Team. The Corporate Innovation Team works closely with corporate partners—including several Fortune 100 organizations—to identify and execute new paths to innovation, sponsorship, and organizational growth.
Time Commitment
This internship is from June 5 to August 7, 2025, and is virtual with occasional on-site collaboration. Hours and time commitment may be flexible if agreed upon by the supervisor and the internship candidate prior to the start of the internship.
Duties and Responsibilities
This internship will focus on market research, partner development, and sponsorship support. Responsibilities include:
- Market Research: Conduct competitive analysis, interview subject matter experts, and survey startups to evaluate business opportunities and market trends.
- Partner Development: Assist in identifying and managing long-term relationships with corporate partners, including organizing meetings, developing communications, and supporting related projects.
- Sponsorship Support: Draft sponsorship proposals that align with potential partner organizations’ corporate social responsibility and innovation goals.
Projects May Include:
- Assisting in the development of proposals for prospective and existing corporate partners and sponsors.
- Creating standardized templates and providing input to streamline the business development process.
- Performing market research to identify top technology startups that align with partners' business objectives.
- Strong interest in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Interest in the tech, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit sectors.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally.
- General business acumen and a high level of attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to analyze and interpret large amounts of data.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data visualization platforms (e.g., Airtable, Tableau).
- Experience with CRMs such as HubSpot or other marketing automation tools is strongly preferred.
- College coursework or previous internship experience is preferred but not required.
- Preference will be given to MBA candidates.
- Letters of recommendation from our leadership team.
- College credit (upon school approval).
- Opportunity to work with top entrepreneurs and startups.
- Hands-on experience to develop in-demand skills and build a strong resume.
What We Do
The story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 isn’t really about the fire. It’s about what happened next: A remarkable moment when the most brilliant engineers, architects and inventors came together to build a new city. Their innovations – born of passion and practical ingenuity – shaped not just Chicago, but the modern world. What started 140 years ago continues to this day. Chicago’s brightest digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs are shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what’s possible.
1871 is Chicago’s innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early stage, growth stage and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital.
Come to a place where you can share ideas, take initiative, work hard, grow professionally and, with a little luck, change the world. If that sounds like you, come join us.
Welcome to 1871.
**Please note, the jobs on our job page are positions with our startups.
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