It has been said that one of the most vital ingredients of a successful startup is pretty simple: coffee. A cup of coffee with peers or mentors have led to countless connections and solutions for entrepreneurs with “that next great idea.”

1 Million Cups is a program started by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2012 to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. In just six years, the program has expanded to more than 163 communities in 40 states.

“1 Million Cups has become sort of a rite of passage for an entrepreneurial community,” said Evan Fay, manager of innovation and entrepreneurship for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “People from outside of a market know that if there is an active 1 Million Cups program in a community, that place has a vibrant startup environment.”

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