1 Million Cups

1 Million Cups is based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee.

This free, weekly gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level. Entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other interested community members are invited to attend each Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito Street.

The program’s model is consistent in each city: Every Wednesday morning, one or two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisers, and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the audience. Presenting entrepreneurs gain insight into possible ways they can improve their businesses, gather real-time feedback, and connect with a community that truly cares about their progress, and walk away feeling like they have advanced their business.

The audience also learns a great deal from the presentations. Whether this is through passively listening or deeply engaging with the entrepreneurs, there is much to learn every week from these dynamic and diverse communities.

View the national website at www.1millioncups.com and access the Santa Barbara microsite at https://www.1millioncups.com/santabarbara to see upcoming presenters or to sign up to present.