Philadelphia, PA - is now home of a national program to engage, educate and connect local entrepreneurs. Founded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is based on the notion that entrepreneurs connect and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee. The free, monthly gathering in Philadelphia helps build startup communities on a grassroots level.
“We are thrilled to join this group of more than 175 other 1 Million Cups communities across the country,” said Francisco Garcia, Director of Business Development: Innovation & Technology for the City of Philadelphia. “This is an excellent opportunity to connect Philadelphia entrepreneurs to each other, get them in front of potential funders, and expose their companies to a larger audience through the 1Million Cups network.”
Beginning May 23, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other interested community members are invited to attend the event on the third Wednesday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m. at rotating locations. The kickoff gathering will take place at Saxbys Headquarters, 2300 Chestnut Street #310.
The program’s model is consistent in each city: On Wednesday mornings, two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisers and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the audience.
In each 1 Million Cups city, local entrepreneurs drive the program as community organizers. Volunteering for the leadership roles in Philadelphia are:
