Apply for Winter 2027 Cohort by October 15
You opened your coffee shop.
Now comes the hardest part.
You opened your coffee shop.
Now comes the hardest part.
You opened your coffee shop.
Now comes the hardest part.
We help independent coffee shop owners build thriving businesses through funding, mentorship, and community.
We help independent coffee shop owners build thriving businesses through funding, mentorship, and community.
Class of '25
Meet the first cohort. Ten independent shops, across nine cities in the US.
Class of '25
Meet the first cohort. Ten independent shops, across nine cities in the US.
Subliminal CoffeeNashville, Tennessee
Daydrink CoffeeIowa City, Iowa
Washed Up CoffeeDetroit, Michigan
Casa Grace Coffee Co.Baytown, Texas
Decent DetroitDetroit, Michigan
Dhaba CafeAustin, Texas
Ground Ops Roastery + BakehouseTallahassee, Florida
Last Mile CafeGrand Rapids, Michigan
Recuerdos CafeAtlanta, Georgia
Coracle CoffeeTulsa, Oklahoma
- Subliminal CoffeeNashville, Tennessee
- Daydrink CoffeeIowa City, Iowa
- Washed Up CoffeeDetroit, Michigan
- Casa Grace Coffee Co.Baytown, Texas
- Decent DetroitDetroit, Michigan
- Dhaba CafeAustin, Texas
- Ground Ops Roastery + BakehouseTallahassee, Florida
- Last Mile CafeGrand Rapids, Michigan
- Recuerdos CafeAtlanta, Georgia
- Coracle CoffeeTulsa, Oklahoma
coffee futures fund
about
Who we are
Most coffee shops don't close because the coffee was bad. They close because running a café is a completely different skill than making great coffee and nobody teaches you that part.
Coffee Futures Fund was built to change that. Every year, we take ten independent shops past the opening rush, into the hard part — through ten weeks of mentorship from operators who've done it, alongside a class of owners facing the same decisions. At the end, we invest up to $50K in up to two shops, without taking a point of equity.
And CFF doesn't end at week 10. The mentors, the class, and the roundtable stay with you — because the goal was never to get you through a program. It was to get your shop to last.
Who we are
Most coffee shops don't close because the coffee was bad. They close because running a café is a completely different skill than making great coffee and nobody teaches you that part.
Coffee Futures Fund was built to change that. Every year, we take ten independent shops past the opening rush, into the hard part — through ten weeks of mentorship from operators who've done it, alongside a class of owners facing the same decisions. At the end, we invest up to $50K in up to two shops, without taking a point of equity.
And CFF doesn't end at week 10. The mentors, the class, and the roundtable stay with you — because the goal was never to get you through a program. It was to get your shop to last.
how we're built
how we're built
01
built for coffee
Everything we do is designed specifically for independent coffee shop owners. No generic startup advice or recycled business frameworks you already know about. Just practical guidance from people who know this industry.
02
learn from operators
Some of the best lessons come from people who've hired the wrong manager, signed the wrong lease, opened second locations, and figured it out along the way. You’ll learn from people who’ve been exactly where you are.
03
built to last
We're not here to help you grow at all costs. Sometimes the right next move is a second location; sometimes it's simplifying down to a shop that pays you properly and gives you a day off. Our funding is revenue-based — we only do well if your shop lasts. We built it that way on purpose.
01
built for coffee
Everything we do is designed specifically for independent coffee shop owners. No generic startup advice or recycled business frameworks you already know about. Just practical guidance from people who know this industry.
02
learn from operators
Some of the best lessons come from people who've hired the wrong manager, signed the wrong lease, opened second locations, and figured it out along the way. You’ll learn from people who’ve been exactly where you are.
03
built to last
We're not here to help you grow at all costs. Sometimes the right next move is a second location; sometimes it's simplifying down to a shop that pays you properly and gives you a day off. Our funding is revenue-based — we only do well if your shop lasts. We built it that way on purpose.
YOUR TEAM
We believe the best advice comes from people who've done the work.
YOUR TEAM
We believe the best advice comes from people who've done the work.
Julie HoushFormerly SCA & Julie from Coffee
Trevor CorlettFounder & CEO, Madcap Coffee
Dale Harris2017 World Barista Champion, Founder Ithaka Coffee
Nicole MozeliakFounder, TLG Consulting Group
Victoria KiddOwner, Hideaway Café
Akshat KhandelwalFounder, Coffee Futures Fund
- Julie HoushFormerly SCA & Julie from Coffee
- Trevor CorlettFounder & CEO, Madcap Coffee
- Dale Harris2017 World Barista Champion, Founder Ithaka Coffee
- Nicole MozeliakFounder, TLG Consulting Group
- Victoria KiddOwner, Hideaway Café
- Akshat KhandelwalFounder, Coffee Futures Fund
- Julie HoushFormerly SCA & Julie from Coffee
- Trevor CorlettFounder & CEO, Madcap Coffee
- Dale Harris2017 World Barista Champion, Founder Ithaka Coffee
- Nicole MozeliakFounder, TLG Consulting Group
- Victoria KiddOwner, Hideaway Café
- Akshat KhandelwalFounder, Coffee Futures Fund
YOUR TEAM JUST GOT BIGGER!
We bring a combined 100+ years of experience who’ve built businesses we’re proud of, and now we’re here to help you do the same.
Every CFF mentor has spent their career in coffee and hospitality — behind the bar, on the P&L, or both. They’ve opened shops, hired the wrong manager, signed the wrong lease, and figured it out. They’re here so you don’t have to learn everything the expensive way.
YOUR TEAM JUST GOT BIGGER!
We bring a combined 100+ years of experience who’ve built businesses we’re proud of, and now we’re here to help you do the same.
Every CFF mentor has spent their career in coffee and hospitality — behind the bar, on the P&L, or both. They’ve opened shops, hired the wrong manager, signed the wrong lease, and figured it out. They’re here so you don’t have to learn everything the expensive way.
the 4 steps
Make better decisions, build a stronger business, and grow with the support of experienced operators.
the 4 steps
Make better decisions, build a stronger business, and grow with the support of experienced operators.
Process:
4 steps
Duration:
10 weeks
1
Apply
Tell us about your shop, and what you're hoping to build. Applying Takes 10 minutes.
2
join a cohort
A cohort of 10 owners, paired with mentors who've solved similar challenges.
2
10 week program
Gain practical guidance on hiring, growth, leadership, and finance.
4
funding, if it fits
At the end of each cohort, we invest up to $50K in up to two shops.
testimonials
testimonials
1/5MARITZACasa Grace Coffee Co.2/5
“Being one of the shops that received funding, we’ve already used it to launch a small roasting program and buy a larger espresso machine to handle the steady increase in volume at our shop.”
Jared
Subliminal Coffee, Nashville
3/5AMARDhaba Cafe4/5
“Looking into CFF and attending the CFF learning session at SCA Expo, I learned that I need to have more of the uncomfortable conversations if I want my business to be a success."
Ivan
Recuerdos Cafe
5/5
“My favorite part of the program is that the mentorship never ends. You always have a large group to lean on, ask questions, and a safe space to ask, ‘Am I doing this right?’”
Connor
Daydrink, Iowa City
- 1/5MARITZACasa Grace Coffee Co.
2/5
“Being one of the shops that received funding, we’ve already used it to launch a small roasting program and buy a larger espresso machine to handle the steady increase in volume at our shop.”
Jared
Subliminal Coffee, Nashville
- 3/5AMARDhaba Cafe
4/5
“Looking into CFF and attending the CFF learning session at SCA Expo, I learned that I need to have more of the uncomfortable conversations if I want my business to be a success."
Ivan
Recuerdos Cafe
5/5
“My favorite part of the program is that the mentorship never ends. You always have a large group to lean on, ask questions, and a safe space to ask, ‘Am I doing this right?’”
Connor
Daydrink, Iowa City
- 1/5MARITZACasa Grace Coffee Co.
2/5
“Being one of the shops that received funding, we’ve already used it to launch a small roasting program and buy a larger espresso machine to handle the steady increase in volume at our shop.”
Jared
Subliminal Coffee, Nashville
- 3/5AMARDhaba Cafe
4/5
“Looking into CFF and attending the CFF learning session at SCA Expo, I learned that I need to have more of the uncomfortable conversations if I want my business to be a success."
Ivan
Recuerdos Cafe
5/5
“My favorite part of the program is that the mentorship never ends. You always have a large group to lean on, ask questions, and a safe space to ask, ‘Am I doing this right?’”
Connor
Daydrink, Iowa City
roundtable
Not ready to apply? Start with the roundtable.
roundtable
Not ready to apply? Start with the roundtable.
roundtable
Not ready to apply? Start with the roundtable.
CFF MEET
Once a month, a group of coffee shop owners get on a Zoom call and talk about what’s actually hard right now — staffing, rent, margins, the week from hell. No pitch, no fee, no prep. Just owners comparing notes.
FAQ
Have some questions?
FAQ
Have some questions?
Who is Coffee Futures Fund for?
Coffee Futures Fund is designed for independent, owner-led coffee shops that are ready for their next stage of growth. Most participants have been open for 1–4 years and are looking to strengthen their systems, leadership, financials, and long-term strategy.
What happens during the 10-week program?
Over 10 weeks, you'll work alongside a cohort of coffee shop owners through weekly workshops, mentorship sessions, office hours, and peer discussions. Together, we'll cover topics like operations, hiring, branding, leadership, financial literacy, menu margins, and sustainable growth.
Do I need to be looking for funding to apply?
No. While Coffee Futures Fund invests in up to two businesses per cohort, funding is only one part of the program. Every participant receives mentorship, practical education, and the support of a community of experienced operators.
How does funding work?
At the end of each cohort, we may offer up to $50,000 in funding to businesses that demonstrate strong potential and alignment with our approach. Our investments are made through a revenue-share model, so you keep 100% ownership of your business while repaying an agreed percentage of revenue over time.
Is this only for shops that want to expand?
Not at all. Success looks different for every coffee shop. Some owners want to open a second location, while others want to improve profitability, strengthen their team, or build a more sustainable business. The goal isn't growth at all costs—it's helping you build the business that's right for you.
Who is Coffee Futures Fund for?
Coffee Futures Fund is designed for independent, owner-led coffee shops that are ready for their next stage of growth. Most participants have been open for 1–4 years and are looking to strengthen their systems, leadership, financials, and long-term strategy.
What happens during the 10-week program?
Over 10 weeks, you'll work alongside a cohort of coffee shop owners through weekly workshops, mentorship sessions, office hours, and peer discussions. Together, we'll cover topics like operations, hiring, branding, leadership, financial literacy, menu margins, and sustainable growth.
Do I need to be looking for funding to apply?
No. While Coffee Futures Fund invests in up to two businesses per cohort, funding is only one part of the program. Every participant receives mentorship, practical education, and the support of a community of experienced operators.
How does funding work?
At the end of each cohort, we may offer up to $50,000 in funding to businesses that demonstrate strong potential and alignment with our approach. Our investments are made through a revenue-share model, so you keep 100% ownership of your business while repaying an agreed percentage of revenue over time.
Is this only for shops that want to expand?
Not at all. Success looks different for every coffee shop. Some owners want to open a second location, while others want to improve profitability, strengthen their team, or build a more sustainable business. The goal isn't growth at all costs—it's helping you build the business that's right for you.
CFF JOURNAL
STORIES
CFF JOURNAL
STORIES
CFF JOURNAL
