Friday, January 24, 2020

Get those ideas brewing – the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will soon be the host site of a national program that connects local entrepreneurs over coffee each week. Established by the Kauffman Foundation in 2012, 1 Million Cups is founded on the idea of entrepreneurs across the nation networking over one million cups of coffee.

The Wilmington chapter launches on Feb. 12 at the UNCW CIE space located at 803 S. College Road. Organizers of the local chapter include Laura Brogdon-Primavera of the CIE, Jerry Coleman of the Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center, and Tom Bennet of the Brian Hamilton Foundation. Entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and interested community members are invited to attend the free meet-up every Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m.

Each week, two early-stage startups (less than five years old) will have six minutes to present to the gathered audience, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session. Entrepreneurs can apply to present through the chapter’s website.

The CIE supports the growth of both campus- and community-based ventures by delivering a range of programs and support services. Fostering collaborative partnerships is a key priority outlined in the university’s Strategic Plan.

- Caroline Cropp

#CIE