1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids announces slate of themed months

August 14, 2018, Cedar Rapids, IA – 1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids, a free weekly entrepreneurial community program on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., has planned six themed months to highlight key industries, neighborhoods, and founders in the Cedar Rapids area. The themed months include:

• September 2018: Month of Marion
• October 2018: Nonprofits
• November 2018: Sustainability
• January 2019: 1 Million Cups Alumni
• February 2019: Female Founders
• June 2019: Patios, Plates, and Pints

“Focusing on themed months gives our community an opportunity to become more engrossed in those particular segments of entrepreneurs and new business that may be hidden at first glance,” NewBoCo Events Specialist and 1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids Organizer Laura Kaiden said.

The first themed month kicks off this September with a month of Marion. Bistro 3 Nineteen and SCOUT of Marion are among the first businesses to apply and be accepted to present. Interested businesses should apply to present soon because the remaining six spots are filling up quickly.

“Marion has experienced significant growth in the last decade, especially new business owners and small businesses,” Kaiden said. “It has been exciting to see how the city has changed over the years, and the explosive growth in Uptown Marion in the recent years inspired us to reach out to phenomenal businesses there to share their stories.”

Marion has been recognized as one of the Best Small Cities in America according to WalletHub as well as receiving the All-Star Community Award from the Iowa League of Cities for past two years. The city has gained an estimated 5000 residents since 2010.

“I’m really excited about the business growth in Marion, and I think that our 1 Million Cups audience is in for a really great month of presentations,” Kirkwood SBDC Regional Director and Uptown Marion Board Member Scott Swenson said. “The Uptown district is vibrant with a mix of historical redevelopment that blends urban residential living and an experiential business district. Also, MEDCO has been championing the growth for manufacturing and service industries. All of this sits on top of a great community for families and education.”

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