1 Million Cups Little Rock announced that Spencer Jones, Kim Lane, Eyona Mitchell and Tim Freeman will lead the weekly program as community organizers. Outgoing organizers Jordan Carlisle, Mike Steely, Nicholas Norfolk and Susie Cowan inducted the new organizers at a special 1 Million Cups event at the Venture Center earlier this month.
Local startup entrepreneurs Carlisle and Steely started Little Rock’s 1 Million Cups’ community in April 2014. Since then, the program has grown by 60 entrepreneurs and more than 30 attendees a week and serves as a vital resource for Little Rock’s technology and startup ecosystem.
Changing of the guard at #1MCLR S/O to @JordanTCarlisle @absolut_zer0 @SmallBizMike for their service! #1MC pic.twitter.com/XNNvMgKY66 — Lalita Flagg (@coteddy4567) October 14, 2015
“1 Million Cups was something Mike and I started as an experiment to raise awareness about startups in Arkansas,” said Carlisle. “Before our first event, we weren’t sure if people would attend. Now Little Rock is recognized as an up-and-coming tech hub. I know our group’s energy has contributed to that.” “As an organizer, I was able to do what I do best, which is build communities through engagement. I am proud at what we have accomplished and I know it is only the beginning. Our community will continue to grow and I’m elated that I am a part of it,” said Norfolk. The new community organizers will work to review and prepare new startup companies for presentations, increase Little Rock’s national exposure and represent Arkansas’ entrepreneurial community at national summits hosted by the group’s parent organization, The Kauffman Foundation. The group’s mission is to champion entrepreneurial learning through storytelling and mentorship. In essence, the organizer’s role is to champion that mission.
Here’s the new organizers! Welcome @kimnlane @Spinkalink @beingtimfreeman @eyonamitchell #1MCLR #1MC pic.twitter.com/XzKemHT6oY — Lalita Flagg (@coteddy4567) October 14, 2015
Previously, Jones, Lane, Mitchell and Freeman started their own entrepreneurial projects, and all have contributed to 1 Million Cups and the startup entrepreneurial community at large. Three of the new organizers, Jones, Mitchell, and Freeman, have presented their companies at 1 Million Cups, while Lane has been a regular supporter and marketer of the event.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to make an impact on this community of change agents and community organizers,” Lane said, “I’ve watched the community grow and evolve over the past year, and I’ve loved getting to share the stories of new and seasoned entrepreneurs.”
The community organizer position is a respected and prestigious role in the 1 Million Cups community. Organizers hold the title for eight months to a year before nominating other community leaders to take the helm.
“I expect to continue the tradition of connecting entrepreneurs with the community and growing the ecosystem in Central Arkansas,” said Jones, who is bridging the gap between entrepreneurship and medicine with his company, Jones Innovative Medical Solutions. “I want to bring in diverse sections of our locality to give entrepreneurs confidence and connections they need to fuel their growth,” he said. “1 Million Cups helped me grow personally, and I’m so thrilled to be able to give back and organize these events.”
In addition to the new community organizers, 1 Million Cups Little Rock has streamlined its partnership with the Venture Center by adding Jessica Johnston-Meyers as an administrative facilitator. Johnston-Meyers will provide a consistent backbone to the group, creating an efficient process for entrepreneurs participating in the program.
1 Million Cups Little Rock is every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Venture Center. To connect with the community, follow @1MillionCupsLR on Twitter and on social media with #1MCLR.
New organizers @Spinkalink & @KimNLane chatting before we get started with #1MCLR. #1MC #ARidea pic.twitter.com/DXYsn8fCdk — 1MillionCups LR,AR (@1MillionCupsLR) September 30, 2015
About the Organizers
Incoming
Spencer Jones: Founder/CEO of Jones Innovative Medical
Kim Lane: Online Editor at Arkansas Money and Politics
Eyona Mitchell: Founder/CEO of My Color of Beauty
Tim Freeman: Founder / CEO of HARK, Co-Founder/Designer at Polis Design
Outgoing
Jordan Carlisle: Co-Founder /CEO of Strengthen
Nicholas Norfolk: Founder of CDots Media and Bourbon and Boots
Mike Steely: Co-Founder / CEO of Sparkible
Susie Cowan: Founder of Legends of Arkansas