Kauffman FastTrac + 1 Million Cups Summit Summary 2025
July 22-24, 2025
Executive summary and overview
Event details
The event took place at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Conference Center from July 22 to July 24, 2025. There were more than 150 total attendees from across the country, including the Midwest (36%), Southwest (20%), Southeast (19%), Northeast (18%), and West (7%) regions.
Summit purpose
The Kauffman FastTrac (KFT) + 1 Million Cups (1MC) Summit brought together KFT affiliates and 1MC organizers to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and expand learning opportunities. Focused on collaboration, ecosystem navigation, inclusion, and capacity building, the three-day event featured program demonstrations, key speakers, participant stories, workshops, and panels, while fostering meaningful connections across the entrepreneurial community. Program leadership also provided updates.
Attendee snapshot
- 94 1MC organizers and 53 KFT participants, including program directors (28), facilitators (30), and course managers (17)*
- 14 resource partners and other supporters
- 24 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation associates, consultants, and contractors
- 15 Kauffman Foundation volunteers
* many KFT participants play multiple roles
Key highlights and outcomes
Keynotes and fireside chats: Insights and themes
Day 1
The inaugural joint 1 Million Cups + Kauffman FastTrac Summit opened with remarks from Ola Ajani, executive director of 1 Million Cups and Kauffman FastTrac, who emphasized the theme “entrepreneurship everywhere for everyone.” He encouraged participants to connect, build relationships, and make the most of the gathering. Kauffman Foundation President and CEO Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace echoed this sentiment, noting the passion of organizers and affiliates from across the country and highlighting the importance of in-person connections. Quoting the Foundation’s founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, she reminded attendees that lasting impact comes from working together.
Entrepreneur Mike Smith (The Bay) and Dr. Andrew Hannah (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) then explored the idea of culture building by design. They highlighted intentional leadership, collaboration, and the value of an experimental mindset that embraces learning and adapting from failure. The discussion emphasized the power of weak network ties, the importance of creating meaningful shared experiences, and the need to reflect on motivations. Participants were encouraged to take actionable steps toward strengthening both their communities and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Day 2
The Welcome and Overview Session opened with remarks from Kira Cheree Cobb, FastTrac affiliate representative, and Dr. Susan Klusmeier, Kauffman Foundation Chief Operating Officer, followed by Ajani, who introduced the new strategic refresh focused on a shared vision and stronger 1MC and KFT collaboration. Ajani highlighted the programs’ impact – 1MC’s more than 80,000 members, 6,000 organizers, 110 communities, and 42,000 events, alongside KFT’s support of 80,000 entrepreneurs over 32 years – and emphasized entrepreneurship as a driver for economic mobility, especially for under-resourced communities. Priorities include multilingual expansion, improved data sharing, and closer alignment so that entrepreneurs move seamlessly between training and community support. FastTrac Program Manager Diaysha Cole reinforced this vision, honoring affiliates and encouraging collaborating to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
1 Million Cups Program Manager Dr. Emmah Muema then introduced a live 1MC event, featuring 1MC Kansas City Organizer Celeste Carlson and presentations by Johnny Crowder (Cope Notes) and David Ponraj (Economic Impact Catalyst). Both highlighted how the 1MC format fosters connection, feedback, and encouragement. In a follow-on discussion, Crowder and Ponraj reflected on their first presentations, challenges faced, and the supportive community that helped them persist and grow – describing 1MC as more than a stage, but a safe space where entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and inspired. Dr. Muema closed by emphasizing that organizers, presenters, and attendees each play vital roles, harmonizing like a choir to bring the community to life.
The second day concluded with a fireside chat featuring Brad Feld (Foundry) and Jonathan Ortmans (Global Entrepreneurship Network), moderated by Ajani. Feld and Ortmans reflected on their entrepreneurial journeys, stressing the role of community in overcoming isolation, the importance of culture and adaptability, and Feld’s “Boulder Thesis” on founder-led, inclusive, and engaging ecosystems. Both emphasized the “Give First” philosophy – non-transactional engagement that fuels collective impact – while reminding participants to balance generosity with boundaries and self-care. They closed by affirming that entrepreneurship is ultimately about culture, human connection, and collective impact, not just individual success.
Day 3
Michael Odupitan (Omni Circle) shared his journey and the mission of his Topeka-based organization to support entrepreneurs through resources, programs, and collaborative spaces. He emphasized entrepreneurship as both business and personal growth, outlining five phases: self-understanding, awakening potential, mental leadership, disciplined behavior, and aligned results. He stressed that clarity, discipline, mentorship, and community help entrepreneurs overcome fear and align passion with purpose.
Workshops and breakout sessions
This KFT session highlighted the progress from 2025 and previewed the exciting developments on the horizon for 2026. It covered updates already launched this year, including the revamped Facilitator Training, expanded delivery in non-tech environments, and refreshed brand identity. Looking ahead to 2026, the KFT team will begin sourcing feedback and identifying content gaps to initiate the next phase of the curriculum refresh.
The panel highlighted how 1MC organizers can strengthen leadership and align local practices with 1MC’s national vision, featuring insights from veteran organizers. They shared lessons, success stories, and the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and core program principles in building community.
Kauffman Foundation’s Strategic Communications team led a hands-on workshop on strengthening 1MC’s presence, including updated social media guidance and practical tools. Participants explored strategies for inclusive engagement, creative outreach, and alignment with 1MC’s values.
This Spanish language session for KFT affiliates focused on strategies and best practices to support Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, addressing cultural and linguistic challenges. Participants had the opportunity to share experiences, collaborate, and build networks to strengthen the impact of Latino entrepreneurship in their communities.
KFT affiliates from various sectors shared how they implement the program in diverse contexts, highlighting integration strategies, creative funding, and lessons learned. The session offered actionable insights and peer-tested solutions to strengthen KFT’s impact and sustainability.
This session explored strategies for engaging multigenerational audiences, emphasizing inclusivity, mentorship, storytelling, and creating welcoming spaces. Participants highlighted leveraging alumni, peer-to-peer learning, and tech-savvy marketing to strengthen ecosystems and empower entrepreneurs.
In this energetic session, 1MC organizers shared creative strategies and stories for coaching presenters and engaging audiences, emphasizing variety, personalization, and community. Key takeaways included using personal invitations and tools that foster authentic connections to strengthen belonging and participation.
This interactive session gathered KFT affiliate feedback on FastTrac’s strategic refresh, barriers, and opportunities, with input shaping a more inclusive and actionable program. Participants discussed priorities and how affiliates can support entrepreneurial success.
This session explored the challenges immigrant and historically marginalized entrepreneurs face and shared actionable strategies for culturally competent, inclusive support. Participants learned how to adapt KFT programs to build trust, create welcoming environments, and better serve diverse communities.
In this session, organizers shared strategies and lessons for mentoring emerging 1MC communities, highlighting how nearby communities can support growth and share best practices. The discussion emphasized that multiple local communities strengthen ecosystems by creating opportunities and fostering collaboration rather than competition.
This session focused on activating resources, partners, and connections to build strong entrepreneurial ecosystems, emphasizing ecosystem mapping and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders. Participants were encouraged to collaborate and use practical tools to position 1MC as a welcoming entry point for entrepreneurs nationwide.
Participant feedback: Key takeaways
Drawn from attendee survey data, the majority of participants reported that the 1MC + KFT Summit was thoughtfully planned, inspiring, and impactful, with strong support for combining the 1MC and KFT programs. Attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect, learn, and build community, with many eager to return next year to continue fostering relationships, sharing best practices, and advancing entrepreneurial impact.
- Attendees overwhelmingly described the Summit as engaging, energizing, and highly valuable, praising the combination of 1MC and FastTrac content, panels, keynotes, and breakout sessions for providing actionable insights and inspiration.
- Participants especially valued hearing from community leaders and peers, as well as opportunities for unstructured networking, which motivated them to implement new ideas in their own communities.
- Sessions were praised for being informative and relatable, with workshops, large group sessions, and panels ranked as the most impactful formats.
- Storytelling and peer-to-peer learnings were highlights, though some attendees requested longer sessions, deeper dives, and more time for questions.
Program updates and announcements
As highlighted at the Summit, the 1MC and KFT programs recently completed a strategic refresh. The refreshed goals include:
- Alignment with the Foundation’s 2035 vision that with the Kauffman Foundation’s support, greater Kansas City will become a national model for equitable economic mobility, dismantling systemic barriers and setting generations of historically under-resourced communities on the path to prosperity.
- Identify priorities and initiatives to strengthen and position the programs for greater impact.
The overall vision for both programs is to advance economic mobility and prosperity for all through business ownership.
Key priorities for Kauffman FastTrac include:
- Provide innovative, flexible curriculum
- Ensure broad accessibility
- Connect entrepreneurs to resources
Key priorities for 1 Million Cups include:
- Build thriving communities
- Increase reach and accessibility
- Build and share knowledge
Both programs have made initial progress toward these priorities.
Next steps and acknowledgments
Post-Summit, there are some next steps that all organizers and affiliates can take to build on the energy, enthusiasm, lessons learned, and best practices discussed during the three-day event.
Key next steps for 1MC organizers
- Identify opportunities to strengthen your community based on lessons learned from the Summit (for example, building an inclusive organizing team, personalizing invitations, mapping local ecosystems).
- Reach out to nearby Kauffman FastTrac affiliates to develop stronger ties and collaboration.
- Continue developing a relationship with 1MC regional representatives.
- Explore opportunities to expand 1MC in your region (for example, help start a 1MC in a neighboring city or gauging interest in 1MC en Español in your community).
- Leverage the 1MC platform and its available resources to manage your community effectively (for example: marketing, coaching, community engagement, and attendance tracking).
- Attend 1MC certification training if you have not done so already.
- Attend Regional Connects and similar 1MC events.
Key next steps for FastTrac affiliates
- Connect with your local 1MC. Find the community closest to you >
- Build a 1MC visit into your current cohort syllabus.
- Introduce 1MC on the first day of your cohort.
- Add 1MC as an opportunity for your cohort participants to present and get feedback on business ideas.
- Connect with your fellow regional affiliates. Find affiliates >
- Be on the lookout for exciting updates to the program, such as modularization of the curriculum.
Acknowledgments
The Kauffman Foundation and the 1MC and FastTrac program teams would like to thank all organizers and affiliates for their energy and enthusiasm during the Summit and for all they do every day for entrepreneurs nationwide. Thank you, also, to all of the Summit’s speakers and collaborators for your support – we could not have done it without you.