Weekly gatherings at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center connect residents with resources and community
Innovation and opportunity are brewing right here in Hillsborough County, and it's taking shape at Hillsborough County's Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC) in Tampa. For many local entrepreneurs, getting a new idea off the ground starts with something as simple as a cup of coffee and conversation. Each week, entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, innovators, and community members gather at the ECC for 1 Million Cups Tampa, a program designed to help entrepreneurs connect, learn, and grow.
Operated by the Hillsborough County Economic Development department, the ECC provides entrepreneurs with access to business service providers, mentorship, specialty training, networking opportunities, and other resources designed to support businesses at different stages of development. The center is also the host site for 1 Million Cups Tampa startup presentations and networking.
What is the 1 Million Cups program?
1 Million Cups is a free, weekly national program created by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2012 with its goal to educate, engage, and connect local entrepreneurs through presentations and community feedback over coffee. Each week, entrepreneurs nationwide share their startup stories, business challenges, and ideas to community members in attendance rather than giving a traditional sales pitch.
Here in Hillsborough County, the Economic Development department established a Tampa community in 2014 and is widely recognized as one of the leading chapters nationwide. Every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the ECC, local entrepreneurs present business ideas and learn how those around them can support their business. The showcase allows presenters the opportunity to refine their business plan to a diverse audience, access training programs, and engage with a network for support.
Christi Slaven, the founder of Next Gen Performance Lab, is one of the many local entrepreneurs who have presented at 1 Million Cups Tampa. Slaven says the program provides more than a chance to showcase a business; it gives entrepreneurs a community of people invested in helping them succeed.
"The people at 1 Million Cups Tampa are trying to lift you up," said Slaven. "They're trying to help you find a way to make your dreams work."
Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC)
Located in historic Ybor City, the ECC serves as a one-stop location where entrepreneurs can connect with resources and partners based on their business needs and stage of development. 1 Million Cups is one of the many resources available at the facility. The Entrepreneur Collaborative Center is home to the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC), which provides confidential, no cost consulting and professional training to entrepreneurs and small businesses across industries. Entrepreneurs can also find workshops, networking opportunities, mentorship, training, and other business resources through the ECC and its community partners.
The County's Business Workshop and Training Calendar includes opportunities from organizations such as 1 Million Cups, SCORE, and Prospera, giving entrepreneurs additional ways to build their knowledge, connections, and businesses.
Whether someone is exploring a business idea for the first time or looking for assistance in growing an established company, the ECC provides a place to find information and make connections.
For entrepreneurs like Christi Slaven, the ECC provides entrepreneurs with peace of mind knowing that they are receiving the necessary resources to start a business.
"Entrepreneurs can rest assure that the advice they're getting at the ECC is from trained professionals," said Slaven.
Expanding opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs
The entrepreneurial community in Hillsborough County is also set to gain another opportunity to connect and collaborate. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has approved the creation of a second 1 Million Cups program in Tampa designated for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.
The new chapter will expand the 1 Million Cups network and create another space for Hispanic entrepreneurs to share ideas, build relationships and connect with members of the local business community. The addition of the Hispanic chapter builds on the ECC's role as a place where entrepreneurs from across the county can find support and connections as they work to turn ideas into businesses.
Learn more about the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center and its state-of-the-art technology and collaborative space. Sign up for the ECC newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events, workshops, and training sessions.