BMO and 1871 open applications for WMNfintech in Chicago

Chicago financial group BMO and local innovation hub 1871 have announced the opening of applications for their seventh annual WMNfintech accelerator. 

The program selects five startups to participate, offering them access to tailored mentorship from BMO experts, resources from 1871, and connections within the industry. The goal is to help startups develop their fintech solutions for institutional clients. This year’s program runs from June through October and includes four immersive weeks across the country.

Participants will engage in intensive in-person sessions, traveling across key fintech hubs to maximize their exposure and growth potential. Alongside the curriculum, participating businesses benefit from national programming with industry leaders, regulators, and banking partners, as well as opportunities for targeted networking aimed at connecting them with future clients, investors, and mentors. 

"As we strive to build the most powerful ecosystem for a founder, the WMNfintech community expands in both impact and reach,” said Andrew Harrison, Head of Emerging Partnerships and the Digital Innovation Fund at BMO in the application announcement. While the CEO of 1871, Betsy Ziegler said that “the future of financial services will be built by founders who deeply understand the evolving needs of women and underserved markets," adding that the initiative is more than just an accelerator; also functioning as a comprehensive platform connecting entrepreneurs with capital, customers, regulators, and decision-makers within financial institutions across North America. 

Since its inception in 2020, the WMNfintech program has seen alumni create more than 220 jobs and raise over $51 million in capital, demonstrating ongoing impact and the strength of its network. The program's success underscores its role in fostering growth and innovation within the fintech sector, particularly among women-led startups. 

Applications are now open through 1871's membership portal and will close on April 9, 2026. The selected startups will have the opportunity to benefit from curated industry guidance, strategic introductions, and ongoing engagement with the alumni community, all designed to accelerate their path to commercialization, particularly in developing solutions for institutional clients rather than solely consumer markets.

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