Kyle Smith, a current organizer of 1 Million Cups Kansas City and communications coordinator at KCSourceLink, has been selected to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Congress this April in Istanbul.
As an attendee, Smith’s role is to be mentor of Startup Huddle, a new program developed by the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) that supports entrepreneurs around the world through education, engagement and networking. Smith compares it to a global version of 1 Million Cups.
“I’ve experienced firsthand the power of 1 Million Cups to supercharge entrepreneurs, build meaningful relationships and open doors into the larger entrepreneurial community,” said Smith. “I am honored to get to share this magic with the world.”
Smith applied for the opportunity, citing his work with 1 Million Cups and KCSourceLink. Smith will train existing Startup Huddle organizers and assist in introducing the international community to the program, with the hope of increasing the number of participating communities in 2018.
The GEC is an annual gathering of startup professionals and international leaders who together, drive innovative ideas, support economic growth and improve human welfare. The GEC first convened in 2009 at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri. It has since traveled to Johannesburg, Moscow and Taiwan among other international cities.
Smith stepped in as an organizer of 1 Million Cups Kansas City two years ago. Launched in 2012 by the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is a community that engages entrepreneurs to learn from and network with each other, strengthening their collective efforts. Today there are over 160 1 Million Cups communities nationwide.
Smith will share his GEC experience with 1 Million Cups Kansas City in November as part of Global Entrepreneur Week.
“I am very excited to learn how ecosystem builders across the world are creating inclusive entrepreneurial communities and harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to benefit their communities and economies,” said Smith of the opportunity.
The 2018 GEC will take place April 16-19. Learn more at www.genglobal.org/gec.
