Timeline

1 Year or more prior to Start Up

• Take any necessary business classes
• Work part-time or full-time in the industry to gain experience
• Begin writing business plan
• Meet with SBA counselor

10 Months

• Finish preliminary business plan
• Choose and register business name
• Secure Financing
• Determine time required to obtain business permits
• Visit potential locations
• Interview and establish relationship with banker, real estate agent, accountant, and attorney

8 Months

• Sign Lease
• Hire contractor
• Hire graphic designer for logo, menu, etc...
• Apply for licenses and permits with state, county, city, etc..

6 Months

• Determine form of business organization and file necessary paper work
• Purchase computer and business software
• Prepare advertisements
• Prepare financial budget and review with banker

3 Months

• Interview potential staff/management
• Verify license and permit applications are complete
• Choose a roaster and open account
• Choose and purchase equipment
• Open business bank accounts
• Secure Insurance
• Set up merchant accounts for credit card processing
• Purchase telephone and internet service
• Prepare job descriptions for employees
• Research workers compensation
• Write policy and operational manual for staff
• Finalize menu and promotional materials
• Plan event for opening day

1 Month

• Talk with accountant about tax requirements
• Open accounts with other vendors
• Build-out complete
• Train management on drink preparation
• Order printed office supplies
• Establish utility accounts
• Begin training some employees

Opening Week

• Finish training all staff
• Write a press release
• Begin advertising

Throughout the Process

• Read anything available about coffee
• Revise business plan when necessary
• Visit competition for ideas