1 Million Cups presenters have shot at $10K
July 1, 2015 | Bobby Burch
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.
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.
Featured Business

2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
No cookie-cutter way to create an entrepreneur, so what’s the catalyst? Inside KU’s venture test lab
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. It’s a practical testing ground for KU students to flex their entrepreneurial muscles, Ryan Rains said, describing a business program built for could-be entrepreneurs who aren’t necessarily even business majors — and who, ultimately, might choose to abandon their concept…
Enactus USA turns 50 in KC as local leaders urge: Give your network to an entrepreneur
A three-day expo featuring student-led innovation and entrepreneurship from across the nation found its home (and groove) “in the heart of the USA” this week, said Mikena Manspeaker, noting the campus of UMKC was the perfect fit for marking the 50th anniversary of Enactus United States. “Kansas City is just booming with entrepreneurial spirit and…
Streetwear-infused runway show hits 10 year-mark, building fashion family along the way
High fashion met heartfelt passion on the runway Sunday with the return of the The Kritiq Fashion Show — a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship and community spirit that not even a global pandemic (or family pressures) could undress. “This is our 10th year,” said Mark Launiu, co-founder of The Kritiq, as well as the Kansas…
Goodwill’s ‘adult high school’ in KC just scored major funding wins (and hired its first leader)
A first-of-its kind adult high school in the region hit two big funding milestones this month, said organizers of the Excel Center, announcing six-figure financial contributions from the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as well as a key hire. Led by Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas (MoKan…

