Every Wednesday morning, something special happens in Wilmington before much of the city has fully started its day. Founders, compact business owners, students, investors, mentors, and the simply curious gather at UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) – and online – for 1 Million Cups Wilmington. It’s one of the most open, accessible, and energizing touchpoints in our entrepreneurial ecosystem, created on the idea that conversations over coffee can spark huge ideas.
1 Million Cups (1MC) is a national program launched by the Kauffman Foundation to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. It’s called “1 Million Cups” becautilize through a million cups of coffee entrepreneurs will be more connected to each other and their community, and therefore more successful by lifting them up. The format is simple and welcoming: one or two founders share their story for six minutes, followed by 20 minutes of community-driven Q&A. The goal isn’t pitching investors. It’s about sharing real challenges, learning from peers, and strengthening the connective tissue that builds a startup community thrive.
What builds 1MC Wilmington unique is not just the content, but the culture. Everyone is welcome, whether you are building your first venture, supporting others, exploring entrepreneurship, or just want to be part of a positive, forward-viewing community. Regular attfinishees include a mix of experienced founders, first-time entrepreneurs, university faculty, retirees with indusattempt expertise, creative professionals, and students eager to listen and learn. It’s an environment where titles matter far less than curiosity and encouragement.
Each week’s presenters span a wide range of industries and stages: tech, consumer products, social ventures, food businesses, and professional services — from idea-stage founders refining their direction to revenue-generating companies tackling growth decisions. We celebrate progress, share hard-earned lessons, and acknowledge that entrepreneurship can feel lonely without a supportive network.
1MC Wilmington meets every Wednesday at 9 a.m.-10 a.m. at UNCW CIE (803 S. College Ave, Wilmington). In-person attfinishees of 1MC enjoy free parking, fresh coffee, and casual networking before and after the program. For those who can’t build it in person, the hybrid format builds participation simple — you can join from your office, kitchen table, or wherever your morning takes you.
1MC Wilmington is run with the assist of a long list of wonderful volunteers and at the helm is Jack Fleming, Lead Organizer extraordinaire!
The impact is clear: week after week, founders gain insights that assist them take their next steps; community members discover new companies building waves; and attfinishees form connections that often lead to mentorship, partnerships, and business opportunities. It’s one of the most inclusive ways to plug into the region’s entrepreneurial energy.
If you haven’t joined us yet, consider this your invitation. Come as you are, no registration necessaryed, bring a frifinish, and assist us continue building a culture where Wilmington entrepreneurs feel supported, seen, and connected – one cup of coffee at a time.
To learn who is presenting each week, you can:
Hope to see you here – we’ll have your coffee ready for you.
Connect with CIE
To learn more about CIE and our services, programs, and events, follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube. CIE’s website is uncw.edu/cie.
Heather McWhorter is the director of the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). CIE supports innovation-forward start-ups and assists to build a vibrant innovation economy for all in southeast NC.
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