Every Wednesday morning, 163 communities across the United States meet to give each other support, encouragement and feedback over a cup of coffee.

We are bringing the initiative to Roanoke for the first time and are looking to build our volunteer team to assist with implementation. If you are excited about entrepreneurial growth in our region, we’d love to have your energy on board. Please join us on Wednesday, April 1st at 8AM to learn more about the initiative and the roles that are needed to make it a successful endeavor for our community. We’ll announce the location in the coming weeks.

Benefits of 1 Million Cups:

• Fosters relationships with entrepreneurs and engage local startups in your community

• Opportunity to coach and mentor startup presenters

• Plug in to a global entrepreneurial network and national resources

• Connect entrepreneurs with your community

• Network with the community and build your personal brand with growing companies

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 163 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.

See you on April 1st (it’s not April Fools!)