Not Sure How to Start a Coffee Shop?

Not Sure How to Start a Coffee Shop?

Starting a coffee shop is an exciting dream, but if you're feeling unsure about where to start—especially without a business background—you’re not alone.

Many successful coffee shop owners began with just a passion for coffee and community, learning the rest along the way.

The good news is that you don’t need all the answers right away. By taking the right steps, you can take your idea from a simple dream to a thriving business.

In this article, I will walk you through the key steps to opening a welcoming, study-friendly coffee shop, including refining your concept, learning the basics, creating a simple plan, securing funding, and taking action.

Let’s get started!

Not Sure How to Start a Coffee Shop?

Step 1: Clarify Your Vision

It starts with you.

What kind of business do you want? After all, this is your time to create something unique for your community. Before you start your coffee business planning, take time to define what kind of coffee shop you want to create.

Right now, you might just have a general idea—like a cozy spot for people to work and study—but let’s go a bit deeper.

Ask yourself:

• Who do I want to attract? (Students, remote workers, office workers, families?)
• What kind of atmosphere do I want? (Quiet and focused? Lively and social?)
• Will I offer any unique features? (Books, board games, unique drinks, comfortable seating?) Think about how your coffee shop will be different.
• What kind of space will I use? (A remodeled house? A small shop? A mobile setup?) Your coffee shop's location will play a key role in getting access to customers.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. I encourage you to visit different coffee shops. Check them out and take notes on what you love (or don’t love) about them. You’ll likely be able to use the experience to shape your unique concept. For more inspiration, read my article on how to Best Coffee Shop Ideas and Concepts.

Step 2: Start Small & Learn as You Go

Not having a business background doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. Many first-time coffee shop owners start with little experience but make up for it by being open to learning.

Here are some ways to build your knowledge:

• Take one of our affordable courses here at CSSU. I’ve created a variety of coffee shop startup resources to help you learn how to set up your coffee shop.
• Read blogs on coffee entrepreneurship (check out my post on Why Coffee Shops Fail to learn common mistakes to avoid).
• Network with other coffee shop owners: many are happy to share insights if you reach out respectfully.

Step 3: Create a Simple Business Plan

You will want to write a coffee shop business plan. A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with just one-page covering:

• Your concept (a cozy study café, a high-energy espresso bar, a house-turned-coffee-shop, etc.)
• Your target audience (who you want to serve)
• Your startup budget (how much you think you'll need to get started)
• Location ideas (home-based, rental space, pop-up, etc.)
• Menu ideas (coffee, snacks, specialty drinks, pastries, among others.)

Pro Tip: Consider starting small if you’re on a tight budget. For example, you can open a drive-thru espresso stand or coffee truck business before investing in a full brick-and-mortar shop.

My article on How to Start a Coffee Shop on a Budget covers this in detail.

Step 4: Funding Your Coffee Shop

One of the biggest challenges for new coffee shop owners is securing funding. It’s also the scariest, so I’ve written extensively about it here at Coffee Shop Startups. Read How to Fund Your Coffee Shop.

Here are a few options to explore:

Bootstrapping (Using Your Own Savings)

If you have savings, starting small and growing over time is the least risky way to fund your business. You can also reduce costs by buying used coffee equipment, handling renovations yourself, or starting a mobile coffee business before opening a brick-and-mortar shop.

Small Business Loans

Look into SBA loans or microloans from local credit unions. To apply, you’ll need a solid business plan and a clear budget.

Crowdfunding

Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe can help raise funds by getting your community excited about your coffee shop. Offer perks like free coffee or exclusive membership deals for early backers.

Business Grants

There are grants available for small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and minority-owned businesses. But because dollars are often being stretched, you’ll have to do some leg work. I recommend researching local opportunities in your area.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, check out my guide on How Much Does It Cost to Start a Coffee Shop, which also applies to brick-and-mortar coffee shops.

Step 5: Take Action (One Small Step at a Time)

One of aspiring coffee shop owners' biggest mistakes is overthinking without taking action. Instead of waiting for the “perfect plan,” start with small, doable steps:

• Research local business permits and requirements.
• Write down a rough budget (even if you don’t have funds yet).
• Test your concept by hosting small coffee events or selling coffee at local markets.
• Connect with vendors and wholesale coffee roasters to learn about wholesale pricing for coffee.

Every small step you take brings you closer to making your coffee shop dream a reality.

Step 6: Believe in Yourself and Keep Going

Setting out to accomplish your dream is no small thing. It’s okay and natural to feel uncertain in the beginning. But don’t let self-doubt stop you.

Every successful coffee shop owner had to start somewhere, and most of them faced similar fears. The difference is that they kept going.

Surround yourself with positive influences—whether it's online communities of coffee entrepreneurs, local mentors, or just supportive friends and family. The more you learn and take action, the more confident you’ll become.

Final Thought: You don’t need a perfect plan to start—just a willingness to learn and take the first step. Keep moving forward, and your coffee shop dream will start to take shape sooner than you think.

Are You Ready To Get Started?

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Coffee Shop Startups

Based in Seattle, Washington, USA, Coffee Shop Startups is dedicated to providing you with the most relevant information on how to start a coffee shop business successfully. Over the last 11 years, we've helped thousands of aspiring coffee business owners worldwide. We harness the experience, wisdom, and knowledge of many successful coffee shop owners to help you increase your chances of success and profits. We support business owners who want to start a coffee business by providing them with valuable information on starting their coffee business successfully.