1 Million Cups, a program of the Kauffman Foundation, works with entrepreneurs, empowering them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses.
Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012 – a free programs designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country.
During Global Entrepreneurship Week, more than a dozen 1 Million Cups chapters are participating in the celebration. In addition to their regular sessions, some chapters are hosting special GEW editions. 1 Million Cups Mankato is celebrating four years working with their startup community, 1 Million Cups San Marcos is hosting a town hall with other Texas communities to share more about the core goals and strategies of 1MC, and 1 Million Cups Wilmington is sharing information about a $20,000 microloan opportunity for their local entrepreneurs.
1 Million Cups provides a low-pressure environment for early stage startups to present to peers for feedback and advice. These weekly meetings allow entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders to connect and network, while improving their ecosystem.