Local entrepreneurs connect via 1 Million Cups

What would happen if entrepreneurs across the nation had 1 Million Cups of coffee together?

That’s the question a group of local entrepreneurs are trying to answer as part of a national program that builds startup communities over cups of coffee and conversation.

1 Million Cups, created by the Kauffman Foundation, is a program that engages, educates and connects entrepreneurs, and is building startup communities in 32 cities across the United States. The program launched in Springfield on February 26, and more than 140 people turned out to support the community’s entrepreneurs and learn more about the program.

“It was just incredible,” Rick Thomas, one of the entrepreneurs helping organize the program, said. “Seeing the level of support that we received from the community was really inspiring. It just goes to show that all of the ingredients are here, we’re just putting them together in a way that will help the startup community grow.”

The format is simple, every Wednesday at 9 a.m. anyone who is interested can show up downtown at the eFactory. Two entrepreneurs will have six minutes to introduce their business, followed by a Q&A in which the group can offer or ask for advice on mutual challenges that they may be facing in their own business.

“We’ll accept any approach, and any amount of creativity here at 1 Million Cups,” Thomas said.

Companies interested in presenting at 1 Million Cups can sign up on the Springfield microsite at 1MCSGF.com.