Delaware Tech ‘drinks in’ 1 Million Cups
By Seth Shockley
The 1 Million Cups program continues to be a success at Delaware Technical Community College.
Since July of 2013, Delaware Tech has participated in an entrepreneurial program called 1 Million Cups. The events take place in the Student Services Center every Wednesday at 9 a.m., and feature presentations from hopeful entrepreneurs who are trying to spread the word about their businesses or products.
1 Million Cups was created by the Kauffman Foundation, which was founded in the mid-1960s by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, according to the foundation’s website.
The events are organized and presented by Delaware Tech’s Director of Corporate and Community Programs Chris Moody.
“1 Million Cups is a way to establish entrepreneurs to the community,” Moody said. “It’s a simple way to engage entrepreneurs, and it supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
According to Moody, when Delaware Tech started doing the program, they became the first community college to do so, and only the 10th community to join at all.
Now, there are 59 communities who participate in 1 Million Cups, including Delaware Tech in Wilmington.
There have been many different types of presenters who speak at the events. Some are just starting their businesses while others have even been included in national magazines and television programs.
There is also no limit to how many times a person can participate. Some presenters have spoken about multiple businesses that they are involved in, like businessman Art Blanchette.
Blanchette has spoken at 1 Million Cups on two separate occasions, both times promoting different businesses.
“The Kauffman Foundation has been involved in entrepreneurial success for years,” Blanchette said. “I think it’s worth pursuing.”
Blanchette also spoke highly of the 1 Million Cups event itself.
“1 Million Cups is a learning opportunity; students get to hear real businesses speak,” Blanchette said. “It’s about helping entrepreneurs be successful.”
Students are not the only listeners in the crowd, however. There are also audience members who have years of experience in the business field.
Michael R. South is a regular in the audience for the presentations. South works with Management Resource Services, and was complimentary of the 1 Million Cups events.
“The events are best for businesses, there are six-minute presentations and the Q&A gives great insight,” South said. “The presentations are videotaped and you can see what others are doing across the nation.”
Another regular audience member is Delaware Tech’s Project Coordinator for Corporate and Community Programs Brenda Whitehurst. Whitehurst is also a retired business consultant, has been an entrepreneur for 25 years, and has even filled in for Moody as host of 1 Million Cups when he was unable to attend.
Whitehurst gave her advice to potential business owners as to what they should focus on.
“A business owner needs to ask, ‘How do I make it stay?,’” Whitehurst said. “The bottom line is, can I give someone else a job?
“I look for three things with a business,” Whitehurst said. “Retention and sustainability, profitability, and can it help others get a job.”
Whitehurst summed up her expectations with one sentence.
“I look for success.”
The events take place every Wednesday at 9 a.m., in the Student Services Center just outside of Java 101. All students and faculty are welcome to attend.