News Releases

• Applications are open until April 10, 2025

CHICAGO, March 13, 2025 /CNW/ - BMO and 1871 today announced a call for applications for WMNfintech, an annual, award-winning program that empowers startup founders as they create and scale innovative services and solutions that support the financial sector. In its sixth year, WMNfintech has become North America's largest alumni network of women-founded and women-led startups as well as those who support women in fintech, providing entrepreneurs access to a robust support network to help them to grow their businesses and bring new technologies and products to market.

"BMO is committed to driving innovation to help our customers, clients, and the communities we serve make real financial progress," said Andrew Harrison, Head of Emerging Partnerships and the Digital Innovation Fund at BMO. "We are excited to welcome our 2025 cohort into WMNfintech's incredibly powerful business ecosystem and to helping them accelerate time to market for new technologies and products. Supporting the success of businesses, small, medium or large is central to BMO's purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life."

The five startups selected to participate will gain access to tailored resources and programming, including:

• One-on-one guidance and insights from top BMO industry experts
• Specialized curriculum focused on enterprise sales cycles, vendor management, information security, and risk and regulatory requirements
• Six-month membership to 1871, including its resources and a roadmap for support
• Opportunities to attend industry events with various stakeholders, banking partners, regulators and trade groups
• Pitching feedback, mentorship, and strategic connections
• Exclusive alumni networking opportunities

This year's program runs from May to August, including four immersive weeks of curriculum where founders gather in-person and/or virtually. The 2025 WMNfintech cohort will also have the opportunity to attend exclusive events across the U.S., including locations in New York City, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas and San Francisco. 

The WMNfintech Impact
Since launching in 2020, participating fintech startups from across the globe have created over 200 jobs and raised over $45 million in capital.

"Empowering fintech startups isn't just the right thing to do—it's a smart investment in the future of financial innovation. WMNfintech has built an incredible community of founders who are redefining what's possible in this industry," said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. "At 1871, we're committed to providing them with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to scale. We're thrilled to continue our partnership with BMO to foster bold ideas and support the next generation of fintech leaders."

To apply for the WMNfintech program by April 10, 2025, and learn more about the program, visit https://1871.com/membership/wmnfintech/.

About BMO:
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. 

About 1871:
1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community 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 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

SOURCE BMO US