I need someone's help!

[Danie1979]

Ok, sometimes I feel like I am crazy, but everytime I listen to what's in my heart that seems to burn like a fire, great things happen! Long story short, I was a wild one back in the day, actually 3 years ago back in the day.. I found God approx three years ago. Since then he has changed my life drastically, even moving me to AZ, meeting my amazing Fiance, finishing school and becoming a Network Engineer. So, back on track about the burning heart felt feelings. My Fiance and I about a year ago started discussing opening our own business. We have thrown many ideas around, but keep coming back to the same favorite. This idea isn't something either him or I have ever really thought of. In fact, I would have NEVER thought of wanting to do this. We honestly believe we are being pushed to do it. AND I also, believe I was pushed to find this site. Our idea may seem simple. We want to open a coffee shop. However, there's more to it. It is will be in the name of God and we will operate it through the eyes of Jesus. I can't give away all of the details to everyone, only to the right person. We want to use the shop as a tool for God. To bring anyone who is lost to him. We want to operate on the foundation of love, family and acceptance all in Jesus' name. There's so much more, but again, I can't spill the beans all over the forum. I am so excited about this and it hasn't even happened. We see an amazing vision in our heads of this and we never thought we would ever think about something like this. The part of why I am on here rambling is because we have NO idea how to get the funding. We desparately need help from anyone on here who can point us in the right direction. We are both very business savvy. We even know we can cut some pretty large expenses due to our backgrounds and skills along with friends who have the expertise to help us as well. We literally have the barista, IT , contruction, customer service and bookkeeping skills to run this business. We also, have a perfect spot with extremely high foot traffic in a major tourist town to plant it. We just need the funding ofr the place, furniture, applicances and inventory. So, if anyone can help, please contact me. Thank you and God bless!

I have opened up a donations account as well for anyone who wants to help. Please contact me if you want the link. I have not created 50 posts so this website will not allow me to put links in my posts just yet. Thank you so much!
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[coreya]

Great idea. I really like it. I have visited a coffee shop like this. Maybe you could do some research on the web and see if you could get in contact with some of the other coffee shop owners that have a similar type shop. I am sure you will find some that would be happy to talk to you and answer some of your questions. Just ask them how they started up.

A church I used to go to almost started a coffee shop like this. They got all the funding but ended up having too many city restrictions. I think they were able to find some wealthy christians that saw their vision. Get a good business plan together and try to get some funding that way. Make sure to have a plan for how it will serve God but also a financial plan.

Funding can be difficult, especially for a restaurant/coffee shop business. But if you feel that God is calling you to do this, he will provide.

I have no idea what it costs to start a coffee shop but maybe the way that God wants you to start the business is to save the money. It may take many years to do, but it can be done.

I will try to find some other coffee shops around the US for you and get back to you this week. I have actually been meaning to look up some of these because I sell Christian shirts, and I think a coffee shop would be a great place to sell them.

Good luck
Corey

 

[Danie1979]

Thank you Coreya We have been doing a lot of research on the coffee industry itself as far as how to startup, run and operate the shop, but I haven't seen anything that states to be ran quite like what we have in mind. There's a couple other pieces to the business I am not putting up on the board because we do not want someone to take our ideas and run with them. We do however, when we have enough money from the business itself, want to host special events, family events, etc... We want to not just "own a coffee shop". We want to give back to the community and help bring people together. As for the price, it can cost anywhere from $250k to $350k depending on the equipment we purchase and what place we rent. I really wouldn't know where to start when speaking with other shops.

I think you're right about your T-shirts. You could also, try to find some churches that would sell your shirts. There are some very large churches out there who have their own merchandise stores to help raise funds for the church, missions, etc... and then of course Christian novelty shops. There are a ton of them in Florida where I am originally from.

Thank you so much for your help! We know that we can operate this business with great success. We just need the funds.

 

[DaisyDay]

Have you considered getting extra jobs while living very frugally for a few years?

Also, do you have a written business plan that you can present to potential investors?

 

[Danie1979]

Have you considered getting extra jobs while living very frugally for a few years?

Also, do you have a written business plan that you can present to potential investors?

I wish it was that simple. We both work 50 - 60 hrs a week with the jobs we have now. I am on 24 hour on call in case the network goes down and he travels a lot. We either need to be able to find an investor or need to be able to get a loan. We have started saving for it along the side of paying for a wedding right now. The wedding was already set in motion and half of it has been paid for so there's no downsizing that now, although it's only 50 people. Still quite small in today's standards. As for anything else, we are very caucious about what we spend. It took me forever to buy clothes again for myself. I kept sewing uo what I was wearing, but when I lost weight I thought it was time lol... We know that in order to get a loan you either need a house or 30 - 40% down before a bank will approve you. That's roughly $125k for money down. They do not make it easy on you. And for the business plan, we have lists of prices, inventory, etc... plus have done all of the research on financial forecasts. I know we can get that together quick. That's not an issue. It really is just getting the money.

 

[grasping the after wind]

I wish it was that simple. We both work 50 - 60 hrs a week with the jobs we have now. I am on 24 hour on call in case the network goes down and he travels a lot. We either need to be able to find an investor or need to be able to get a loan. We have started saving for it along the side of paying for a wedding right now. The wedding was already set in motion and half of it has been paid for so there's no downsizing that now, although it's only 50 people. Still quite small in today's standards. As for anything else, we are very caucious about what we spend. It took me forever to buy clothes again for myself. I kept sewing uo what I was wearing, but when I lost weight I thought it was time lol... We know that in order to get a loan you either need a house or 30 - 40% down before a bank will approve you. That's roughly $125k for money down. They do not make it easy on you. And for the business plan, we have lists of prices, inventory, etc... plus have done all of the research on financial forecasts. I know we can get that together quick. That's not an issue. It really is just getting the money.

If your business plan makes sense and you have the expertise in the area you should find no problem finding investors. I do not think there is any rule that one needs a house in order to secure a business loan and most investment organisations are more interested in whether your plan is good than they are in collateral. After all they want to make money because your business prospers not just regain part of their investment when the business fails. First check with the Small Business Administration to see what they have that might be applicable to your situation. Also become a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and seek out local government officials to see what help they can provide. Then incorporate, then if necessary take your business plan to lending institutions that specialize in small business loans. The more avenues that you pursue, the greater you chances of success will be but always keep in mind that failure though painful is a learning experience that may turn out to be what eventually leads to success at a future time. Most businesses fail and most successful business owners have failed at least once and some several times before they succeeded.

 

[Danie1979]

If your business plan makes sense and you have the expertise in the area you should find no problem finding investors. I do not think there is any rule that one needs a house in order to secure a business loan and most investment organisations are more interested in whether your plan is good than they are in collateral. After all they want to make money because your business prospers not just regain part of their investment when the business fails. First check with the Small Business Administration to see what they have that might be applicable to your situation. Also become a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and seek out local government officials to see what help they can provide. Then incorporate, then if necessary take your business plan to lending institutions that specialize in small business loans. The more avenues that you pursue, the greater you chances of success will be but always keep in mind that failure though painful is a learning experience that may turn out to be what eventually leads to success at a future time. Most businesses fail and most successful business owners have failed at least once and some several times before they succeeded.

Thank you! That is very helpful info. I guess it just seems that after all of the forums I have read, gettign a loan seems harder than it's ever been. I have no doubt about whether we can make this business successful or not. We are very confident in our skills. Even marketing. I love marketing. I love the challenge. Maybe the other people complaining about getting loans didn't have an organized idea? Who knows... My fiance is amazing at interior creations as well. He has a very awesome idea for the interior of the shop. We discussed over the weekend the business plan. We will start working on it soon. Need to get some minor wedding things out of the way. Thank you so much for your reply!

 

[DaisyDay]

Eloping is nearly free. If you want to have a big party, of course, that is your business.

A list of prices and inventory isn't really a business plan, but it is a start.

 

[Danie1979]

Daisy, I have never liked the idea of eloping. You can't share your vows with family and friends when eloping. I want the experience. The downside, yes, it costs, the upside, you get to have those memories for the rest of your life. I'd rather share it with family and friends than a judge. We are also, aware of what a business plan is and are in the process of putting it together. Plans take research though. That's where the lists come from. Believe me, we have researched and thought of everything that we need. Now I guess we just have to excite an investor or work hard on getting a loan. The great part is, instead of a gift registry, we're asking for business donations instead

 

[DaisyDay]

What help are you asking for here?

 

[Danie1979]

Business funding advice. 'Grasping at the wind' answered my question pretty well and was very helpful. I now have some insight on the loan system and have been researching other suggestions he made. That's all.

 

[dbcsf]

Ok, sometimes I feel like I am crazy, but everytime I listen to what's in my heart that seems to burn like a fire, great things happen! Long story short, I was a wild one back in the day, actually 3 years ago back in the day.. I found God approx three years ago. Since then he has changed my life drastically, even moving me to AZ, meeting my amazing Fiance, finishing school and becoming a Network Engineer. So, back on track about the burning heart felt feelings. My Fiance and I about a year ago started discussing opening our own business. We have thrown many ideas around, but keep coming back to the same favorite. This idea isn't something either him or I have ever really thought of. In fact, I would have NEVER thought of wanting to do this. We honestly believe we are being pushed to do it. AND I also, believe I was pushed to find this site. Our idea may seem simple. We want to open a coffee shop. However, there's more to it. It is will be in the name of God and we will operate it through the eyes of Jesus. I can't give away all of the details to everyone, only to the right person. We want to use the shop as a tool for God. To bring anyone who is lost to him. We want to operate on the foundation of love, family and acceptance all in Jesus' name. There's so much more, but again, I can't spill the beans all over the forum. I am so excited about this and it hasn't even happened. We see an amazing vision in our heads of this and we never thought we would ever think about something like this. The part of why I am on here rambling is because we have NO idea how to get the funding. We desparately need help from anyone on here who can point us in the right direction. We are both very business savvy. We even know we can cut some pretty large expenses due to our backgrounds and skills along with friends who have the expertise to help us as well. We literally have the barista, IT , contruction, customer service and bookkeeping skills to run this business. We also, have a perfect spot with extremely high foot traffic in a major tourist town to plant it. We just need the funding ofr the place, furniture, applicances and inventory. So, if anyone can help, please contact me. Thank you and God bless!

I have opened up a donations account as well for anyone who wants to help. Please contact me if you want the link. I have not created 50 posts so this website will not allow me to put links in my posts just yet. Thank you so much!
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If you happen to be a Presbyterian, this may help.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - Resources - 1001 Worshiping Communities | New Hope

The Presbyterian church USA is trying to form 1001 worshipping communities ASAP. The idea is that in the near future many christians may not wish to worship in a church, for a variety or reasons. So, they opened the door, and their checkbook, to the concept (they are still trying to open new churches, by the way).

Anyway, there is already a for profit coffee shop in Georgia somewhere which is a "worshipping community". I think they are on the video. It has been awhile since I have seen it.

I am unsure of the start up funds provided. But, you may have to spend some to basically pitch your plan and have some specialist come in and look you over. If you get the grant, you are off and running.

Hope it helps

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - Resources - 1001 Worshiping Communities | New Hope

 

[dbcsf]

look for the "bare bulb coffee" video, Warner Robbins, Georgia
it is on the page

Also look under "forms and applications". They say you can apply for $7500 start up, and get up to $50,000 total.

http://www.pcusa.org/resource/list/forms/

 

[Danie1979]

I can't tell a lie, I am not Presbyterian.

 

[dbcsf]

I can't tell a lie, I am not Presbyterian.

Oh well, nice try then. Hope you liked the video anyway. Maybe your church has a website with something similar?

 

[Rhett]

Living in Northern Arizona myself I would ask if you have heard of Radio Shine first, second if you have heard of Crown Ministries. Last but not least have you searched for Christian venture capitalists? I would say that would be your best bet.

As for your comment on marketing there is a sweet new platform for promoting any business with Google's Social Currency model. I'm using it to promote my business that is in pre-launch state at the moment. The trouble is I only want to market to mature Christians to start with in order to build a solid team with biblical integrity, character, morals, and values.

Sorry I don't have more advice.

 

[Danie1979]

Living in Northern Arizona myself I would ask if you have heard of Radio Shine first, second if you have heard of Crown Ministries. Last but not least have you searched for Christian venture capitalists? I would say that would be your best bet.

As for your comment on marketing there is a sweet new platform for promoting any business with Google's Social Currency model. I'm using it to promote my business that is in pre-launch state at the moment. The trouble is I only want to market to mature Christians to start with in order to build a solid team with biblical integrity, character, morals, and values.

Sorry I don't have more advice.

Actually this is great advice. However, we want to move back to Florida to open the business. There's a LOT of crime and people who need this type of acceptance through a business. Are all of the orgs you listed AZ only?

 

[Rhett]

No Crown Ministries is a national org. This might help in a very big way I found it this evening by the Lords will that is the only way I can explain it. Try these links to an amazing resource by copying and pasting books.google.com/books?id=Q7CNXC_a3zwC&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&dq=faith+based+business+forums&source=bl&ots=nJMGO-85Xd&sig=vqUD-W8bDnKZ2aM4IuoI9KcdrIM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdtoUYziMonwiwL73YGwAg&ved=0CIMBEOgBMAk4FA#v=onepage&q=faith%20based%20business%20forums&f=false or this one faithbasedmarketing.com and you could search "Christian Yellow Pages" as well hope this helps!

 

[Danie1979]

No Crown Ministries is a national org. This might help in a very big way I found it this evening by the Lords will that is the only way I can explain it. Try these links to an amazing resource by copying and pasting books.google.com/books?id=Q7CNXC_a3zwC&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&dq=faith+based+business+forums&source=bl&ots=nJMGO-85Xd&sig=vqUD-W8bDnKZ2aM4IuoI9KcdrIM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdtoUYziMonwiwL73YGwAg&ved=0CIMBEOgBMAk4FA#v=onepage&q=faith%20based%20business%20forums&f=false or this one faithbasedmarketing.com and you could search "Christian Yellow Pages" as well hope this helps!

Thank you so much! I will defiitely look into it. I will let you know if we are able to use any of these resources.

 

[Rhett]

You may also want to try this resouce as well.

newventurelab.com