1 Million Cups appoints new leadership

Olatunji Ajani was named executive director for 1 Million Cups and Kauffman FastTrac.

Ajani previously served as a Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation associate. He brings experience in inclusive entrepreneurship and workforce development to his new position.

“I am thrilled to join 1 Million Cups and Kauffman FastTrac as the executive director,” Ajani said in a press release . “These programs can change the trajectory of cities by nurturing entrepreneurs and fostering innovation within our communities. By supporting entrepreneurs, we’re supporting the workforce of our future.”

1 Million Cups is based on the concept that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee. It provides a safe, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to connect. The organization aims to lower the barriers for access to education and resources for entrepreneurs.

With the slogan “Caffeinating Northwest Indiana's entrepreneurship community,” 1 Million Cups facilitates events where the Region's entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders can intersect at the crossroads of doing, networking and coffee.

1 Million Cups is hosting the following upcoming events:

• July 24: Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana in Crown Point
• August 14: Lower Lincoln in Valparaiso
• August 28: Purdue Northwest Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center in Hammond

Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for free coffee from Fluid Coffee Roasters and networking. The program begins at 9 a.m. Learn more about the events here .

Kauffman FastTrac is an entrepreneurial education program. It was founded on the belief that everyone has the right to turn an idea into an economic reality. The Kauffman Foundation launched Kauffman FastTrac and 1 Million Cups to break down systemic barriers so that all people have the opportunity to achieve economic stability, mobility and prosperity. The organization was founded by Ewing Marion Kauffman.

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