The Ferguson Library in Stamford in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is hosting a new program to educate and connect local entrepreneurs. 1 Million Cups — based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee — is a free, monthly gathering that helps build startup communities on a grassroots level.
Entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other interested community members are invited to attend presentations on the first Wednesday of every month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Ferguson Library.
The next gathering is April 5.
The program’s model is consistent in each city: The first Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m., 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.
In each 1 Million Cups city, local entrepreneurs drive the program as community organizers. Volunteering for the leadership roles in Stamford are:
· Elizabeth Joseph, Coordinator, Information & Adult Services, The Ferguson Library.
· Jim Huerta, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, The Nessa Group.
· Brenda Lewis, Principal, Transactions Marketing, Inc.
· Joe Ercolano, Associate Director, CT Small Business Development Center
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that aims to foster economic independence by advancing educational achievement and entrepreneurial success. Founded by late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Foundation is based in Kansas City, Mo., and has approximately $2 billion in assets. Visit www.kauffman.org for more information.
The Ferguson Library is Stamford’s public library system, consisting of the Main Library, DiMattia Building; the Harry Bennett Branch; the Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch; the South End Branch and a traveling Bookmobile. It provides free and equal access to information, ideas, books and technology to educate and enrich the Stamford community.