Augusta soon will be the newest home of a national program to engage, educate and connect local entrepreneurs. 1 Million Cups — based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee — is a free weekly gathering that helps to build startup communities on a grassroots level.

Beginning September 6th, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other interested community members are invited to attend each Wednesday from 8 to 9 a.m. at theClubhou.se, located at 540 Telfair Street in downtown Augusta.

The program’s model is consistent in each city: One Wednesday a month, two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the audience.

1 Million Cups in Augusta is currently accepting any business less than five years old that wants to present to the audience. Each company will be videotaped and have the opportunity to present at other 1 Million Cups across the country.

In each 1 Million Cups city, local entrepreneurs drive the program as community organizers. Volunteering for the leadership roles in Augusta are:

•      Grace Belangia, theClubhou.se

•      Eric Parker, theClubhou.se

•      Peter Buckley, CSRA Angels

•      Denise Baruti, Humana Treehouse

•      Robbie King, CEO, Belair Donuts

•      Melissa Furman, Hull College of Business, Augusta University

“This is another great opportunity for anyone in Augusta who is looking for support and mentoring for their startup to be successful,” Belangia said. “There is no reason to think that Silicon Valley has all the investors and new ideas.  Augusta has all the ingredients to launch the next Facebook or Amazon, and 1 Million Cups is the perfect platform to make that happen.”