Coffee Conversations: What We've Learned from 100+ Mondays

 

Every Monday morning at the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub, something remarkable happens. As the clock strikes 8 AM, our doors open to welcome a diverse group of Portsmouth's business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and community champions for Coffee @ the Kricker. What started as a simple networking idea has evolved into over 100 sessions of community building, collaboration, and inspiration.

 

The Monday Morning Magic

With an average of 25 attendees each week—sometimes swelling to more than 50—Coffee @ the Kricker has become Portsmouth's most consistent networking opportunity. The informal setting creates the perfect environment for meaningful connections between unlikely collaborators:

  • Established business owners share wisdom with SSU student entrepreneurs

  • University faculty discover community partnerships

  • Small business owners find new collaborators

How Our Coffee Conversations Flow

8:00 AM: Doors open, coffee starts flowing, and initial conversations begin
8:15 AM: Featured community member shares their story and insights
8:30 AM: Q&A
9:00 AM+: Continued networking and organic conversations

What Makes This Program Special

What truly sets Coffee @ the Kricker apart is our partnership model. Each week's session is supported by one of our core community partners:

Each partner takes ownership of one Monday per month—providing coffee, identifying compelling speakers, and bringing their unique networks to the table.

In the entrepreneurial world, access often determines opportunity. We've deliberately structured Coffee @ the Kricker to eliminate common barriers:

  • No registration required

  • Free coffee and refreshments

  • Welcoming to first-time attendees

  • Accessible downtown location

  • Mix of students and professionals

One unexpected benefit has been the regular attendance of Shawnee State University students. For many, this becomes their first experience with professional networking in a supportive environment. They gain:

  • Real-world connections beyond campus

  • Practical business insights

  • Community integration

Join the Conversation

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just curious about Portsmouth's business community, there's always room for one more at our table. Join us any Monday at 8 AM at the Hub, located at 221 Chillicothe Street in Downtown Portsmouth.

The coffee is free, but the connections are priceless.

Want to be a featured community member? Contact Derrick Parker at dparker@shawnee.edu to learn more.

Kricker Innovation Hub