1 Million Cups Serves Up Practical Support For Entrepreneurs

There is a new coffee spot in town, and it won’t cost you a thing. Since February, the Arnold chapter of 1 Million Cups, which meets at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), has served up an inclusive space for entrepreneurs to share ideas, get feedback, network and boost solutions to challenges that business owners and businesses face.

“1 Million Cups is a weekly conversation over coffee to support small businesses. This is not a pitch; it is an opportunity for small businesses to share their stories, challenges and goals to a community that provides feedback, resources and ideas,” said Stephanie Goldenberg, who serves as 1 Million Cups Arnold Community Lead and academic chair of AACC’s department of entrepreneurial studies. “Entrepreneurship can be a lonely business, but it does not have to be. This group supports one another and serves as a sounding board.”

Founded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2012, 1 Million Cups (1MC) now boasts 110 national chapters, nearly 27,000 entrepreneurs, and more than 1 million cups of coffee served.

Every Wednesday, chapters gather to network and hear from new speakers who apply to present their business ideas, challenges and successes. Organizers of the 1MC Arnold chapter include Anne Arundel Community College, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, SCORE (a free mentorship program), the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and local businesses.

“This organization is a perfect opportunity for students to connect with the community. It allows them to practice how to talk about their business ideas in a low-risk way,” Goldenberg explained. “At the same time, it helps faculty and staff connect with other community members and businesses. It is an opportunity to gather for free to get real feedback and stay in touch with what is happening on and off campus.”

The organization is not just for students, faculty and staff at AACC. Geoff Snavely is the vice president and general manager of MilliCare Floor and Textile Care, a company that has been in business for 37 years.

“I applied to present because I’m a believer in the difference this community can make for entrepreneurs,” Snavely shared. “I’ve observed so much support from attendees as they share their ideas and questions with presenters, and I’ve heard meaningful feedback that could help business owners impact their companies in positive ways.”

He encourages all business owners and entrepreneurs to attend the weekly gatherings because it is an opportunity to leverage the experience and knowledge of others, expand networks, and make new connections.

“There simply are not many ‘free’ consulting services out there, and there is no cost to present at 1MC,” Snavely added. “The thought process involved with presenting your company is invaluable. Putting the effort into how to discuss your business concept helps entrepreneurs think about their business strategically. And there’s tremendous value in being able to articulate the specific help you need from the community.”

Presenters have six minutes to make their presentation followed by 20 minutes of questions and answers with attendees. The last question asked is always, “What can we as a community do to support you?”

“I was looking for impressions, feedback and suggestions on what I have created for my business. I have been a member of several other networking groups and had had all positive and supportive reception to my business and what I provide for my services,” said Suzanne Hewes, owner of Hewes Health Consulting, LLC, and a recent 1MC presenter. “This was a new audience for me and having academics in the audience as well as other business owners, students, county representatives and library representatives was a new experience for me. I was well-received and had good conversations during the questions and answers.”

The meetings are held every Wednesday from 8-9:15 a.m. in the CADE Building, room 207, at AACC. Everyone is invited, including students, faculty, staff, community members and small business representatives. Attendees are encouraged to come with an open mind and willingness to listen and help. The 1MC Arnold chapter is open to anyone in the greater Anne Arundel County area.

To learn more about 1 Million Cups, visit www.1millioncups.com. To learn more about AACC’s department of entrepreneurial studies visit aacc.edu or email Goldenberg at slgoldenberg@aacc.edu.