Through a collaborative effort between Arkansas Tech University and local business owners, Russellville soon will be the newest home of a national program to engage, educate and connect local entrepreneurs and non-profit founders.
Started by the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee. The free, monthly gathering helps build business and non-profit startup communities on a grassroots level.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 10, entrepreneurs, innovators, founders and other interested community members are invited to attend the second Wednesday of the month from 9-10 a.m. at Dog Ear Books at 301 W. Main Street in Russellville.
The program’s model is consistent in each city: on Wednesday morning, two early-stage start-ups present their companies or non-profits 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.
The inaugural 1 Million Cups in Russellville will feature presentations by Mary Gasaway, owner and operator of Mary’s Kitchen, and John-Paul Davis, founder and president of Perspectives Group Financial.
In each 1 Million Cups city, local entrepreneurs drive the program as community organizers. Volunteering for the leadership roles in Russellville are:
- Emily Young, founder, The Brainstorm Agency and The Garage Arcade; co-founder, Dog Ear Books
- Brandon Wright, director of placement/career services, Arkansas Tech University
- Courtney Pratt, coordinator for student engagement, Arkansas Tech University
- Sergio Picado, co-founder of Innovative Development Inc.
- Cynthia Picado, co-founder of Innovative Development Inc.
- Nathan George, store manager of Joshua’s Fine Jewelry
- Tiffany Henry, coordinator of sponsored programs and university initiatives, Arkansas Tech University
This event is always free and open to the public. It is made possible by the support of local sponsors Dog Ear Books, F1rst Person Productions, The Garage Arcade and Penny University Coffee Roastery.
View the national website at www.1millioncups.com and access the Russellville microsite at www.1millioncups.com/russellville or visit www.facebook.com/1MillionCupsRussellville for more information.
