About 1 Million Cups

Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012—a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. Through the power of volunteers, 1 Million Cups has grown to more than 160 communities.

As a program of the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups 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. Mr. Kauffman believed it was a fundamental right for anyone who had a big idea to be able to bring it to life—and we're here to fulfill that mission.

Our Culture

Diversity, equity and inclusion are key to the success of our programs. Nationwide, 1 Million Cups communities aim to present an inclusive and supportive front door to their local entrepreneurial ecosystems. These qualities are essential for 1MC to fulfill its mission to educate, engage and connect entrepreneurs with their communities. And they are too essential to leave to chance as the number of 1MC communities continues to grow.

Learn more about our commitment.

1 MILLION CUPS GROWTH

1 Million Cups events are organized by more than 800 volunteers in 40+ states, one U.S. territory and six time zones.

1
April
2012
Kansas City
2
January
2013
2 Communities
23
January
2014
23 Communities
66
January
2015
66 Communities
77
January
2016
77 Communities
103
January
2017
103 Communities
163
January
2018
163 Communities

Contact Us

ABOUT THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION

Founded by Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Foundation is driven to provide uncommon ways to create opportunities and connect people to the tools they need to achieve success, change their futures and give back to their communities. We believe that if you have an idea, you have a fundamental right to start a business to make it a reality.

We also believe that opportunity lies in the fields of education and entrepreneurship. Our team is based in Kansas City and made up of connectors and doers who dream big, solve problems with the communities we serve and take calculated risks to drive results.



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