1 Million Cups presenters have shot at $10K

One of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s most popular programs, 1 Million Cups, will soon be offering entrepreneurs more than its typical morning refreshments.

Photo by Justin Leibow

Program leaders announced Wednesday that it’s launching the “One in a Million” competition, in which former presenters in the program could snag $10,000.

Now in more than 70 cities worldwide, 1 Million Cups invites two startup founders each week to present their companies over coffee or tea and then respond to questions or comments from the audience.

“This competition is really great for entrepreneurs and for more awareness of the program,” said Courtney Chapman, a co-organizer of the weekly event. “It’s really amazing that we have this network of people in 1 Million Cups. Each program around the country is a little bit different, but each still has the same goal of fostering entrepreneurship and making their communities better for entrepreneurship. ”

Presenters from all the U.S. cities in which 1 Million Cups operates are eligible for the competition, culminating in Kansas City during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November. Finalists in the contest will also receive pitch coaching and other mentorship.

To be eligible, an entrepreneur must have presented at 1 Million Cups before Aug. 2, and have a scalable company located in the U.S. The winner of One in a Million will receive $10,000, while second place earns $5,000 and third $1,000.

To apply, click here.