The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation programs, 1 Million Cups (1MC) and Kauffman FastTrac (KFT), share one vision: to advance economic mobility and prosperity for all through business ownership. 
 
Together, these programs represent a national network of leaders, educators, and volunteers working to provide the knowledge, tools, and community needed for entrepreneurs to succeed regardless of who they are or where they’re from.  

During the past year, we’ve welcomed feedback from program organizers, affiliates, and community partners through surveys, conversations, and site visits. They told us they want: 

• Deeper connections across communities and with ecosystem partners. 
• More high-touch support from regional leads and 1MC and KFT program leaders. 
• Expanded training and capacity-building opportunities. 

We appreciate the input that helped shaped our strategy refresh – a shared roadmap to strengthen how we support, connect, and equip those helping entrepreneurs thrive. 

With this strategy, we aim to fully unlock opportunity for Kauffman FastTrac and 1 Million Cups to deepen connections, accelerate shared learning, and unlock new growth pathways for entrepreneurs in each program.

Strategic priorities for Kauffman FastTrac 

KFT’s strategy emphasizes accessibility, relevance, and connection in entrepreneurial education. 

• Provide innovative, flexible curriculum – Deliver up-to-date, data-informed, and flexible curriculum that enables affiliates to tailor education to entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, industries, and stages of growth. 
• Ensure broad accessibility – Leverage user-friendly technology and relatable content formats to empower affiliates to effectively reach and support all entrepreneurs, regardless of who they are or where they live. 
• Connect entrepreneurs to resources – Provide tools and materials to help affiliates better educate and connect entrepreneurs to both financial and non-financial resources essential for business success. 

Our guiding philosophy: Network leadership 

To bring this strategy to life, we are embracing a network leadership approach – a way of leading that builds trust, fosters collaboration, and empowers local leaders to connect, learn, and act together toward a shared purpose. 
 
This approach shifts our focus from centralized direction to collective action to create a culture where champions from both 1MC and KFT – organizers, affiliates, and peer organizations – collaborate to share best practices, strengthen relationships, and amplify impact. 

A new structure to strengthen our network 

To better support a network leadership approach, both 1MC and KFT are evolving structurally to create a more connected, collaborative, and responsive network. 

For cross-program collaboration, we will establish Regional Advisory Committees (RACs).

• RACs are volunteer-led groups of FastTrac and 1MC leaders offering local insights to advise and strengthen communities in each region. The call for volunteers from each region will be made late Spring 2026.

Specific to Kauffman FastTrac, we will establish new leadership roles: FastTrac Network Lead (FNL), Affiliate Relations Representative (ARR), and Instructional Design Representative (IDR).

• Two regional leads, FNLs will strengthen connections across affiliates, ensure consistent program delivery, and foster collaboration between regions.
• ARRs will be dedicated to affiliate support, communication, and partnership management. 
• IDRs will be focused on keeping FastTrac content current, flexible, and relevant for affiliates and learners. 

Get involved

If you’re passionate about building community, empowering entrepreneurs, and shaping the future of 1MC and KFT, we invite you to be part of this next chapter.

Thank you 

The 1MC and KFT refresh reflects the collective wisdom, dedication, and collaboration of our organizers, affiliates, and peer organizations. Together, we’re creating a more connected and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem – one that lowers barriers and expands opportunity for entrepreneurs everywhere. 
 
To the champions of the 1MC and KFT programs, “thank you” for your leadership, collaboration, and continued commitment to this mission.