Every Wednesday morning, something special happens in Wilmington before much of the city has fully started its day. Founders, small 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 big 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” because 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 makes a startup community thrive. 

What makes 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-looking community. Regular attendees include a mix of experienced founders, first-time entrepreneurs, university faculty, retirees with industry 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 attendees of 1MC enjoy free parking, fresh coffee, and casual networking before and after the program. For those who can’t make it in person, the hybrid format makes participation easy — you can join from your office, kitchen table, or wherever your morning takes you.  

1MC Wilmington is run with the help 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 help them take their next steps; community members discover new companies making waves; and attendees 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 needed, bring a friend, and help 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: 

• Follow 1MC Wilmington on social media (LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/1-million-cups-wilmington) and/or Facebook (1MC Wilmington) 

• Sign up for CIE emails - https://share.hsforms.com/1K6ZnzdwTQECR5iDA6YpjjQe2blu  

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 helps to build a vibrant innovation economy for all in southeast NC.