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1 Million Cups of Northwest Indiana

1 Million Cups (1MC) is based on the notion that great ideas are discussed over a million cups of coffee. 1MC is not a pitch platform, nor is it a networking event. It’s simply a chance for entrepreneurs to tap into the knowledge and experience of the local community in a focused and encouraging environment.

About

1MC takes place every Wednesday morning in many communities throughout the United States. During each event, up to 2 entrepreneurs have just six minutes to present their company or business idea (from newly formed up to 5 years old) to a room full of community members. For the next 20 minutes, the audience will ask questions, provide helpful feedback, and share similar experiences or support.

Every 1 Million Cups event concludes with a question posed to the entrepreneur: “What can we as a community do to help you?” This cultivates the intention that 1 Million Cups chapters are created by the community for the community.

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.