mHUB 2023 Summer Graduate Internship: Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fellow 

 About the Role  

mHUB is seeking a Graduate Fellow to support mHUB’s leadership team in defining and resourcing initiatives and programs to drive economic growth through hardtech entrepreneurship and manufacturing. With numerous funding and economic development opportunities on the horizon through the CHIPS & Science Act, IRA, Infrastructure Act, Illinois’ Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), and more, the fellow will help mHUB develop a strategy and framework to respond effectively and efficiently. We are looking for support in assessing mHUB’s capacity and role in coalition-led regional economic development strategies, identifying and responding to relevant funding opportunities, and developing an organization-wide framework for future coalition participation and funding opportunity applications. It is important that the fellow come with a lens of inclusive economic development as mHUB seeks to develop economic development strategies that address systemic barriers in access to entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and wealth creation. Fellows receive career and leadership coaching and the opportunity to network with Chicago’s corporate, civic and nonprofit leaders across the tech ecosystem. 

About mHUB  

mHUB is a leading independent hardtech and manufacturing innovation center located in Chicago, Illinois. Our mission is to enable U.S. hardtech innovation and commercialization by fueling collaboration and providing an accessible, hyper-resourced environment to develop, fund and accelerate clean energy, health, sustainability, and manufacturing entrepreneurship. Launched in 2017, the mHUB community of more than 350 active and alumni companies have raised $1.5 billion in capital, generated more than $721M in revenue, launched more than 1,398 products and hired more than 3,987 employees. mHUB's three business units – Incubator, HardTech Development Services, and Accelerated Incubation / Product Impact Fund – connect startups, innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and investors to spur innovation. 

The mHUB team is an ambitious, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven team committed to helping entrepreneurs find a path to success and supporting economic growth in Chicago, the Midwest, and the U.S. We are builders and problem solvers, excited about the potential in hardtech and manufacturing entrepreneurship and by bringing businesses and products to life.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Assess mHUB’s opportunities for federal and local grants and make recommendations for participating in coalition-based economic development strategies related to priority industry verticals (e.g. climate & energy, smart & sustainable manufacturing, and medical devices) 
• Identify and develop a strategy for mHUB’s participation and response to upcoming grant opportunities through Chips & Science Act, IRA, Infrastructure Act, CEJA, etc.  
• Develop an organization-wide framework for responding to public and private funding opportunities, including developing key assets, tracking mechanisms, and processes. 
• Support collaboration key stakeholders across the tech and manufacturing ecosystem to develop strategies to make Chicago tech more inclusive and equitable for underrepresented founders. 
• Make recommendations for how mHUB can strengthen its role as an ecosystem convener and driver of equitable economic development in manufacturing and tech 

Qualifications  

• Must be a current graduate program student focusing on areas of policy, economic development or business administration. 
• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail. 
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners and donors. 
• Expert written and verbal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability 
• Demonstrated ability to partner with high-level leaders to work towards outcomes, leading by consensus.  
• Experience in grant writing or grant administration is a plus. 
• Prior experience in a nonprofit or government environment is a plus.  
• Prior experience with entrepreneurs or business support organizations is a plus.  

Core Values 

Ability to uphold, embody, and articulate the following values: 
 

• Respect and Value Diversity – We agree to value the rights of all individuals to mutual respect. The diversity of our community is a fundamental strength of the organization. 

• Tackle each Day with Passion, Enthusiasm and Curiosity – What we’re doing is special. What we’re doing has impact. What we’re doing is the spark that is igniting a community. 
  
  
• Try. Learn. Grow – We are entrepreneurs. We won't be afraid to be bold and take risks. We won’t wait for the idea, we’ll create it ourselves. mHUB is a launch pad for our startups, but also for us. 
  
  
• Hold Ourselves Accountable – We agree to be personally accountable to the “promises” we make. We don’t blame others or ourselves. If we need help, we ask. If we make a mistake, we communicate it and fix it. 
  
  
• We are Greater as the Sum of our Parts – Together we are greater than alone. We are one team, and collaboration is crucial to our success. We treat one another fairly and with respect. We challenge one another to rise to our best. 

Salary & Duration 

A stipend of $1,000 per month will be provided. The internship will last a minimum of 11 weeks between May 2023 to the end of August 2023, depending on the applicant’s academic calendar year, with an opportunity for an extension beyond the summer. 

To Apply 

Please send resume and cover letter to info@mhubchicago.com.  

mHUB is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.