Hello, I am Lily Green, and I have an amazing opportunity to pursue my dream career! I’ve found a cozy little café inside a grocery store that the owner is allowing me to use, along with some of the equipment, for a reasonable price. I absolutely love being a barista and baking for my friends and family. Everyone says I should definitely sell my cheesecakes and other treats — and that’s exactly what I want to do! My goal is to open a coffee shop offering delicious baked goods, homemade syrups, and freshly roasted coffee. I want to start small, grow steadily, and provide people with delightful treats to brighten their day.

I’ve created a list of essential items I need to get started, and I’ve adjusted my goal by approximately $1,500 to account for any unexpected price variations on coffee beans and other supplies.

Here’s what I’ve compiled so far that I could really use help with:

Groceries:

• Paper towels: $40
• Hand soap and dish soap: $40
• Cleaning supplies: $200
• Drying rack: $15
• Milks: $43
• Ingredients for syrups: $27.12
• Cups: $41.36
• Straws (500/Box): $2.89
• Eggs: $20
• Flour: $16
• Creams: $28
• Sugar: $60
• Teas: $50
• Foil: $15
• Coffee filters: $5.00
• Parchment and baking papers: $32.00
• Cling wrap: $16
• Coffee beans from supplier: TBD
• Plastic slice containers: $12.00
• Plastic utensils: $30 per case
• Napkins: $34 per case

Equipment:

• Dipper well bowl and faucet set (including installation): $250
• Two stainless steel work tables: $260
• Countertop oven: $400-800
• Extra glass bottles and pumps for homemade syrups: $40
• Rubber floor mat: $42
• Baking pans: $400
• Measuring spoons/cups and other utensils: $72
• Airtight containers for purées and baked goods: $60
• Labels for food containers: $15
• Freezer pens: $14
• Square register kit: $1,339.00

Marketing:

• Logo design updates: $20
• Barista aprons with logo: $80+
• Hats for baking and promoting the logo: $40
• Rug or sign for the shop: $100
• Local advertising: TBD

If you’ve read this far, I genuinely appreciate it! Please feel no pressure to donate if you’re unable — any amount or encouraging words mean the world to me!

Thank you for considering being a part of this journey as I strive to bring joy to my community one cup and slice at a time