Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The McAllen Chamber of Commerce has been recognized by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for creating meaningful connections and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs through its leadership with 1 Million Cups and Kauffman FastTrac.
“Thank you to the Kauffman Foundation for this recognition and for providing knowledge and connection in communities like ours,” said Elizabeth Suarez, president and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to continuing this work and creating even more opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed.”
The Kauffman Foundation is one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship. With approximately $2.45 billion in assets under management, the foundation invests in programs, research, and education that strengthen local economies by helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses.
Two of the Foundation’s flagship programs are making a meaningful impact in communities across the country. 1 Million Cups is a free, weekly program where entrepreneurs share their businesses, receive feedback, and connect with mentors, investors, business leaders, and fellow founders, with every conversation creating new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth. Kauffman FastTrac equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build stronger businesses through hands-on education in customer discovery, business planning, financial management, marketing, and growth strategies.
“1 Million Cups and FastTrac give our entrepreneurs a place to test their ideas, get honest feedback, and build the relationships that carry them into their next stage of growth,” said Jorge Sanchez, senior vice president of small business and innovation for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Kauffman Regional Network Lead – West. “This recognition from the Kauffman Foundation reflects the entrepreneurs who show up every month ready to build, and we’re proud to keep creating that space for them.”
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce proudly leads both programs. Since launching 1 Million Cups on April 11, 2018, the Chamber has remained committed to hosting the program every month, creating a consistent space where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and grow. This year, the Chamber also completed its eighth Kauffman FastTrac cohort, providing more than 60 entrepreneurs with practical business education, mentorship, and the opportunity to showcase their businesses during Demo Day.
For more information about the program, contact the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 956-682-2871.
Information source: City of Mcallen / McAllen Chamber of Commerce
