Free, weekly program developed by the Kauffman Foundation
helps build startup communities nationwide
Jackson, Mississippi (October 15, 2014) – Jackson will soon be the newest home of a national program to engage, educate and connect local entrepreneurs. 1 Million Cups — based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee — is a free, weekly gathering that helps to build startup communities on a grassroots level.
Beginning November 6, 2014, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other interested community members are invited to attend each Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Hatch, located at 126 Keener Avenue in the Midtown community.
Jackson becomes the 63rd location for 1 Million Cups, which began in 2012 at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri. The program’s model is consistent in each city. Every Wednesday morning, 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 volunteers drive the program as community organizers. Volunteering for the leadership roles in Jackson are:
- Whitney Grant of Midtown Partners, Inc.
- Matthew McLaughlin of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C.
- Patty Patterson of Repurposed Projects
- Curnis Upkins, III of the Hinds County Economic Development Authority
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to bring 1 Million Cups to Jackson,” McLaughlin said. “This platform is going to fill a significant void in our entrepreneurial ecosystem and our community.”
To celebrate the launch of 1 Million Cups Jackson, Cups Espresso Cafe in Fondren is hosting a fundraiser and celebration on Tuesday, October 28. Scheduled from 6-8 p.m., the event will offer coffee, live music, a raffle and detailed information about how organizers plan to build the community “one cup of coffee at a time.” During the event, Cups Espresso Cafe will donate 100% of the profits to 1 Million Cups Jackson.
“1 Million Cups will undoubtedly become one of the most inspiring gatherings in Jackson,” Grant said. “I can’t wait to mix two of my favorite things: drinking coffee and exploring ways our innovators can take their ideas to the next level.”
View the national website at www.1millioncups.com and access the Jackson, MS microsite at http://jackson.sites.1millioncups.com.
About the Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that aims to foster economic independence by advancing educational achievement and entrepreneurial success. Founded by late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Foundation is based in Kansas City, Mo., and has approximately $2 billion in assets. Visit www.kauffman.org for more information.
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