1 Million Cups is a free, weekly program that happens nationwide designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs.

Format

Developed by the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups (1MC) is based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and network over a million cups of coffee. Early-stage businesses and established companies facing interesting challenges are welcome to present their companies to a panel of experts for advice and engage the audience in a question-and-answer session to encourage collaborative and honest conversations. We also feature expert speakers, founder fireside interviews, and exploration of business failures and the shared learning that comes from those failures.

The Cedar Rapids chapter was the sixth in the U.S. and takes place almost every Wednesday. Every event is free, and everyone is welcome and invited to attend!

Join us Wednesdays @ 8:30 a.m. at The Olympic Theater South Side (1202 3rd St SE #200, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401)! Each event will involve a presentation or conversation with a new founder, entrepreneur, business leader, subject matter expert, or creative. A list of upcoming events and presenters can be found on our Events Calendar.

A typical 1MCCR morning:

8:30–9—Coffee & Conversation
9–9:45—Official Program
9:45–10:00—Question & Answer

Check our calendar often! The process to find and select presenters is an ongoing one, so events will be updated as new information is available.

Past Event Recordings

Why Attend?

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids will empower you to support your community’s entrepreneurs, give you the opportunity to provide helpful advice or critical feedback, make new connections or sustain long-running ones, or even find a new career opportunity!

Why Present?

You’re interested in presenting at 1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids – great! We’ll give you the opportunity to introduce your idea to your community! You’ll get feedback and guidance from expert panelists, polish your public speaking skills, build a stronger personal network, find new customers or investors, (maybe meet a co-founder?) and above all, grow as an entrepreneur! If any of the above information aligns with your goals, we would love to hear your idea! Fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch with you.