South Atlanta’s 1 Million Cups brews community and connections weekly

South Atlanta’s chapter of 1 Million Cups, a nation-wide organization founded by the Kauffman Foundation that connects entrepreneurs and professionals through a free-to-attend community event where they can connect and hear business ideas, is caffeinating entrepreneurs in our community every Wednesday morning at Launch Fayette.

From 9:00-10:00 a.m., professionals from various industries gather to hear innovative business ideas from entrepreneurs in the South Atlanta area, all while enjoying fresh coffee and beignets from Beignets and Brew. The organization meets at Launch Fayette, which is an incubator space for innovation, inspiration, and growth in Fayette County.

“There’s videographers and photographers, accountants, chefs, financial planners, Chamber of Commerce members-every type of person is in the room,” said Jason Bass, lead organizer of South Atlanta’s 1 Million Cups and founder of Jason Hunter Design. “We all give feedback from our experience.”

The meeting format is intentionally flexible. Some presenters arrive with complete demos or prototypes, while others come with just a concept, speaking from the heart. Regardless of how far along the presenter is in putting their idea into fruition, the audience is committed to offering constructive feedback and asking the presenter: “What can we as a community do for you?”

“Nobody can see the spot that they’re standing on,” said Bass. “If you’re willing to be vulnerable and receive feedback from people who are there to help you, then you belong in front of the room presenting.”

The feedback helps presenters to shift their perspective and identify areas for growth. For example, one recent presenter, who ran a custom closet design business, received responses such as: 

• “Stop selling closets-start selling transformation”
• “Your superpower is service. Lead with that”
• “Get your face and your happy customers in every photo-that’s what people connect with” 
• “You’re not selling a product. You’re solving a problem.”

The dynamic exchange between presenters and attendees creates an inspiring platform for high-quality networking, professional development, and community building. Anyone interested in joining the conversation is welcome to attend any meeting at Launch Fayette located at 250 S Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree City. Those interested in presenting can visit South Atlanta’s 1 Million Cups Website to learn more or apply to present.