The ECC Looks Back on the 11 Years of 1 Million Cups

1 Million Cups Tampa continues to caffeinate the community weekly

On February 4, 2026, the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC) marked 11 years of building connections, empowering entrepreneurs, and championing local small businesses through its flagship event, 1 Million Cups Tampa (1MCTPA). Every Wednesday morning, innovators gather at the ECC to share ideas, gain feedback, and take the next step toward business success.

The first presenter at 1MCTPA Launch Day in 2015 was Tony Selvaggio, left, founder of eSmart Recycling, an ECC success story. Pictured with Tony is founding 1MCTPA organizer Peter Vaka.

Founded by the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is a national nonprofit initiative that brings communities together to support and inspire small business growth. Since its start in Tampa, the program has become one of the ECC's most impactful traditions, helping countless entrepreneurs turn concepts into thriving companies.

Each meeting is a celebration of innovation, community, and the transformative power of collaboration, aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The original 1MCTPA organizers celebrate the launch in Hillsborough County in 2015.

ECC benefits and info

Host site for 1 Million Cups Tampa startup presentations and networking
One-stop shop for entrepreneurial resources and information, collaboration, and mentoring
Host to nearly 7,000 programs and over 135,000 participants since opening in December 2014
Supported by more than 90 business and community partners
State-of-the-art technology and collaborative space for local nonprofits and agencies to host networking and engagement events
Home of the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Hillsborough County

Interested in attending 1 Million Cups?

Present or participate every Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Entrepreneur Collaborative Center
2102 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605