1 Million Cups gives local entrepreneurs community and guidance

Changing the economics of a nation over one cup of coffee at a time, or a few.

Caden Baird / Calep Howard taking questions about his startup, Stray Cat Moto, to the other entrepreneurs at 1 million cups.

That’s the mission behind the aptly named organization, 1 Million Cups. Its goal is for local entrepreneurs and startups to have a community and a soundboard for fresh ideas or potential challenges.

Every Wednesday morning, Lawrence and the other 100-plus communities that 1 Million Cups organizes, put together a meet and greet of local entrepreneurs and a presentation of a business idea or update to an established one.

Stray Cat Moto was this week’s presentation over hot decaf in Lawrence as Calep Howard unveiled his concept of a motorcycle shop in North Lawrence that will not be only a place for the motorcycle community to upgrade their vintage bikes, but to meet and enjoy a cup of joe with some in-shop felines.

This week’s presentation in Lawrence featured Stray Cat Moto, where Calep Howard unveiled his concept of a motorcycle shop in North Lawrence. More than just a spot for the motorcycle community to upgrade their vintage bikes, the shop will also serve as a community hub—offering coffee and the company of in-shop felines.

“The best part of this group is being able to ask a question and get so many varied but good and meaningful answers to my questions.” Howard said.

The shop will specialize in “resto-modding,” which takes retro bikes and gives them more modern systems, such as upgrades to emission and reliability, and even the occasional touch of paint, all while staying true to that “old school feel.”

Howard is hoping to team up with a local coffee shop or distributor to brew the coffee for the shop.

Tom Wells, an organizer, believes that 1 Million Cups is unique in how its meetings are run.

“It’s a great place for entrepreneurs and those who have an idea to get in a room with people who have a similar experience or are on the same journey, Wells said.” You don’t really get a lot of opportunities like that.”

The groups in Lawrence, Wichita, and Kansas City all meet weekly on Wednesdays. The Lawrence group typically gathers at 2029 Becker Dr. in KU Innovation Park, though meetings occasionally take place at2920 Haskell AVE STE 100.

“We encourage those who have a business model, whether they’ve launched it or not, Wells said.” “From that point on, come and present.”