Running a coffee shop is a little like pulling the perfect espresso shot. You need the right balance—of time, pressure, and skill—or things get bitter fast. If you’re in your first few years of business, you already know this. You’re juggling staff schedules, trying to understand your finances (without crying), and wondering if it’s normal to feel this exhausted all the time.

That’s where the Coffee Futures Fund (CFF) 10-Week Program comes in. It’s not some boring business course full of theoretical nonsense. It’s a hands-on, no-BS roadmap designed specifically for coffee shop owners like you—the ones in the trenches, making it happen every day.

So, what can you actually expect? Let’s break it down.

Week 1: Finding Your "Why" (a.k.a. Why Should Anyone Care About Your Coffee Shop?)

If your coffee shop disappeared tomorrow, would people miss it? If the answer is “uhhh... maybe?” then this is where we start.
Your shop isn’t just another spot serving lattes—it’s your shop. And figuring out what makes it unique is the foundation for everything else. By the end of this week, you’ll have a clear mission, a stronger brand story, and a better understanding of why people choose you over the café down the street

Weeks 2-4: Operations, Finances, and the Stuff That Keeps You Up at Night

Let’s be honest—most small business owners didn’t open a café because they love spreadsheets. But understanding your numbers is the difference between thriving and just scraping by.

These weeks are all about getting your business model in check. You’ll tackle:
✔ How to price your menu for profit (without scaring off customers)
✔ The real cost of labor and how to build a stronger team
✔ Fixing cash flow issues before they turn into full-blown disasters

This is where you’ll go from "I think we’re making money?" to "I know exactly what’s working and what’s not."

Weeks 5-7: Marketing, Customer Experience & Growing Your Community

Newsflash: great coffee isn’t enough. You need customers who love your shop, come back often, and bring their friends.
During these weeks, you’ll dive into:
☕ How to create an experience that keeps people hooked
📢 Marketing that actually works (even if you have zero budget)
🎉 Building a loyal community—because regulars are the heart of every successful café

Weeks 8-9: Leadership & Building a Business That Runs Without You (Yes, It’s Possible)

Right now, your coffee shop might feel completely dependent on you—which is why you can’t take a real vacation without your phone blowing up. We’ll work on fixing that.

You’ll learn how to:
👩‍💼 Step into a true leadership role instead of being the default problem-solver
📋 Build systems that help your business run smoothly (even when you’re not there)
👥 Keep your best staff longer, so you’re not constantly rehiring and retraining
Week 10: The Pitch Competition (a.k.a. Show Us What You’ve Got!)

By now, you’ll have a fully developed Business Model Canvas—a clear, actionable plan for your coffee shop’s future. You’ll pitch this to a panel of industry mentors and investors, and yes, it’s nerve-wracking, but it’s also an incredible opportunity.

The best part? You are in for a chance to get an investment from CFF—because we believe in backing coffee entrepreneurs who are putting in the work. And if you really crush it? You might just walk away with additional funding to take your shop to the next level.

Beyond the 10 Weeks: The Real Growth Begins

CFF isn’t just about the program—it’s about long-term partnership. After you finish, you’ll get a full year of mentorship from experienced coffee industry pros. They’ve been where you are, and they’ll help you navigate the ups and downs of running a shop that’s not just surviving, but thriving.

So, Is This for You?

If you’re still sketching café ideas on napkins, this isn’t your moment (yet). But if you already own a coffee shop (0-3 years in), and you’re ready to stop putting out fires and start building a sustainable business, this is exactly the program you need.
Because at the end of the day, running a coffee shop shouldn’t feel like a constant state of survival. It should be fulfilling, profitable, and—dare we say—fun.

And with the right support, it absolutely can be.