Entrepreneurs and Coffee

The Wilmington chapter of 1 Million Cups launched this month with two women entrepreneurs as its first presenters: ERICA NELSON, owner of Mural Modern, and ANN REVELL-PECHAR, president of Fluent PR.

1 Million Cups is a free, national program that meets every Wednesday allowing entrepreneurs and the community to receive and give feedback. Entrepreneurs find solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, according to the 1 Million Cups website.

When the Coalition, a group of 11 local partners with the goal of growing entrepreneurs in the region, wanted to establish a community-led meetup, they sought 1 Million Cups.

LAURA BROGDON-PRIMAVERA, manager at UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and JAMIE STALFORT, business launch specialist with the Small Business and Technology Development Center at UNCW, led the local effort to bring the program to Wilmington.

1MC meets every Wednesday at the UNCW CIE starting at 9 p.m. To present, apply here.

Brogdon-Primavera talks about organizing the program, who should participate, and the benefits it can provide.

WILMA: What motivated you to be part of a team that organizes the Wilmington chapter of 1 Million Cups?

Brogdon-Primavera: “The Small Business Coalition is a group of entrepreneur and small business support organizations – the alphabet soup of support organizations so to speak – and we wanted to do something as a group that drove community involvement and inspired participation from individuals and other organizations to continue growing our entrepreneurial ecosystem. 1MC was the perfect program to bring to Wilmington to do just that. It was a long and grueling process to get approved as a host city – they don’t just allow anyone to pop up a 1MC in their town. We were excited to get approved and the launch was incredible with about 80 people in attendance. I’m driven by that kind of energy and engagement.”

WILMA: What can presenters expect from participating in a 1MC meeting?

Brogdon-Primavera: “Presenters can expect a welcoming crowd that’s truly there to support them – presenters ultimately are asking: “What can my community do for me,” and the community shows up to answer that. Presenters are provided a coach before their week to present to make sure they’re 100% ready and comfortable for their six minutes.”

WILMA: How can 1MC help entrepreneurs in the region?

Brogdon-Primavera: “1MC empowers entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their business. When entrepreneurs engage with their communities, they hear directly from their potential customers or get helpful advice or connections from those in their backyard. Entrepreneurs can also travel to other cities in other communities to present and expand their network and reach!”

WILMA: How can attendees best participate during meetings?

Brogdon-Primavera: “Attendees can participate by showing up, engaging, and inspiring the presenters to think about things they may not have thought about or share their resources with them to help them grow. Attendees can also help by speaking to a community organizer and getting involved in that group as well – we always need more hands with coffee prep, greeting guests, helping with technology, directing folks where to park, setting up, etc.”

WILMA: Who should consider becoming a presenter?

Brogdon-Primavera: “Companies less than five years old and open to community engagement should apply – all industries are welcome! Business owners looking to refine their presentation and seeking a network for support should take the time to apply to present.”

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