1 Million Cups meets in Columbia at the REDI Hub every Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Columbia was one of the first 12 cities that launched 1 Million Cups programs. Now, more than 200 communities around the world gather for 1 Million Cups each week.
As an experiential learning opportunity, the 1 Million Cups format is consistent in each location. Every Wednesday morning, one or two early-stage startups present their companies to a diverse audience of their peers, mentors, educators, and advisors. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the audience. Afterward, each startup receives feedback via an audience survey and from the local organizers in their city.
The culture surrounding 1 Million Cups is that of a supportive, neutral space welcoming entrepreneurs to be open and honest about their businesses and the challenges they face.