It’s no secret that technology is disrupting, reshaping, driving and altering our lives and economy.

In today’s economy, the information technology sector offers the best long-term growth and wealth building opportunity.

The data is clear—and irrefutable. Underrepresented minorities currently make up 30% of our nation’s population (a number projected to reach more than 40% by 2050), but in the STEM field, they are poorly represented with only 12.5% earning STEM degrees in 2011.

“Over-mentored, but under-sponsored.”

 –BIG 2018 applicant response to the question “Why are you applying to BIG 2018 Incubator?”

By the end of 2017, the U.S. economy appeared to be booming. The stock market was at record highs; companies were competing with one another to announce bonuses for employees in response to federal tax cuts; and the unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%, its lowest since 2000.