1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids is a weekly gathering where entrepreneurs, business leaders, and the community come together to learn, connect, and share ideas over coffee. Each free Wednesday morning event features a founder story, expert insight, or candid conversation, followed by a thoughtful Q&A that sparks collaboration and honest feedback. Open to everyone and always welcoming, 1MC is where we explore challenges, learn lessons, and move ideas forward together. Learn more about 1 Million Cups.
This Week’s Presenter: David Maier, Cedar Rapids City Council
Join us for an open, practical conversation with key leaders driving economic development in Cedar Rapids: David Maier (City Council Member), David Connolly (Economic Development Program Manager), and Scott Mather (Economic Development Project Coordinator).
Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling a small business, or looking to connect with city resources, this session will peel back the curtain on how local government works alongside entrepreneurs and where new opportunities are emerging.
What We’ll Cover:
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Hidden Resources & Incentives: Programs, grants, and support available to local business owners that often go under the radar.
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Upcoming Developments: A look at current projects underway across Cedar Rapids and what they mean for commercial growth.
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Addressing Real Challenges: How the city is actively navigating workforce, infrastructure, and development hurdles.
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Demystifying City Hall: Clearing up common misconceptions about working with local government and knowing exactly where to start when you need help.
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Making Your Voice Heard: Concrete ways entrepreneurs can share feedback, communicate needs, and help shape city policy.
Bring your questions, ideas, and challenges for an interactive Q&A designed to connect local enterprise directly with city leadership.
Standard Program Schedule:
- 8:30-9:00 a.m. Coffee and Conversation, Informal Networking
- 9:00- 9:40 a.m. Introductions and Presentations
- 9:40-10:00 a.m. Presenter Feedback, Q&A, Community Announcements