The idea is simple: help companies less than three years old build their businesses over cups of coffee and conversation. 1 Million Cups is a weekly entrepreneurial engagement and educational program created by the Kauffman Foundation in which members of the community can hear from one to two startup presentations per week.
The program takes place every Wednesday morning from 9:00 – 10:00 AM in locations across the country. New Orleans is now one of those locations. Church Alley Coffee Bar will be host to the first New Orleans events.
In over 30 cities, attendees participate by providing feedback, gaining insight, improving their businesses and simply connecting with fellow entrepreneurs.
Local company Maritant will kick off the 1 Million Cups program tomorrow morning. The platform connects manufacturers’ and distributors’ equipment data with engineering firms, shipyards, and vessel owners, creating a seamless design and purchasing process.
1 Million Cups has been called a national movement that has created a supportive environment of entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.
The New Orleans program is organized by local entrepreneurs including Enriched founder Andre Feigler, Max Gaudin, founder of Sidework, and Sam Peake, a financial projection specialist and handyman.
“A friend of mine attended 1 Million Cups in Dallas, enjoyed it, and said we should look into trying it in New Orleans,” said Peake. “New Orleans can definitely use a weekly event to bring entrepreneurs together. We hope 1 Million Cups will serve as a point of entry for newcomers to our city and startup community.”
1 Million Cups is also available in another Silicon Bayou locale, Shreveport, LA.
For more information, to register or to request to present, visit 1millioncups.com.
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