City of Alton Community Development Officially Recognized as a 1 Million Cups Community
The City of Alton Community Development is proud to announce that it has officially been recognized as a 1 Million Cups (1MC) community — joining a national network of more than 150 cities across the United States dedicated to supporting and connecting local entrepreneurs.
Developed by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is a free, weekly program designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs through storytelling and community engagement. Each week, entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a supportive audience of peers, mentors, and community members who offer feedback and collaboration opportunities.
With this official designation, Alton becomes one of the newest entrepreneurial hubs in the Rio Grande Valley, providing a welcoming space for local innovators to share ideas, gain support, and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Being recognized as an official 1 Million Cups community is a major milestone for the City of Alton,” said Ivan Gonzalez, CEO of the City of Alton Economic Development Corporation. “This program gives local entrepreneurs a platform to tell their stories, connect with one another, and grow together — which directly supports our mission of fostering economic development and innovation in our community.”
The Alton 1 Million Cups organizing team successfully completed the national onboarding and certification process, with guidance from 1MC Regional Representatives and support from the Kauffman Foundation. The team is now preparing to launch monthly sessions that will spotlight local founders and business owners from across the region.
“Alton’s inclusion in the 1 Million Cups network highlights the city’s growing role as a center for entrepreneurship and collaboration in the Rio Grande Valley,” added Crystal Kelly, Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Alton EDC. “We look forward to building an inclusive space where anyone with an idea can feel supported and inspired.”
The first 1 Million Cups Alton event is scheduled to take place soon, with details to be announced on the City of Alton EDC’s website and social media channels.
For more information about 1 Million Cups Alton, or to get involved as a presenter or attendee, please visit www.1millioncups.com/alton.
