A 12-week cohort program designed to help coffee shop owners and managers level up their business — from launch to growth. Built for working professionals, by tenured experts.
Built to fit into your busy life.
This is a program designed for working professionals, which means you won’t need to take time off work and you can apply your learning immediately. Across 12 weeks, you’ll engage in a mix of in-depth video modules, skill-building assignments, collaborative forums, and guided discussions designed for real-world application in your job as a manager, owner, or budding entrepreneur.
WATCH:
Self-Paced
Course Videos from Industry Experts
APPLY:
Live Learning
with Your Cohort and Discussion Leader
PRACTICE:
Engage in skill-building assignments and discussions
You’re already an expert in coffee.
But are you an expert at running a business?
We built a program to close the gap between the two—which is often where things get hard. Without a formal training pathway, most owners learn on the job.
Built for independent coffee retailers.
Whether you’re launching your first shop or growing an existing operation, this program focuses on business essentials, while accounting for the nuance of running a coffee business
Four business themes. One complete education.
The curriculum is developed and introduced by US-based coffee professionals with lived experience as managers, operators, and owners—subject matter experts who've built and run real businesses. Content reflects US market context, business practices, and regulatory environments.
Management & Leadership
Hiring, onboarding & team dynamics
Coaching, mentoring & performance reviews
Ethical & values-centered leadership
Conflict resolution frameworks
Positive work culture & psychological safety
Business Strategy & Entrepreneurial Thinking
Business strategy
Market analysis
Competitive positioning
Investment and financing for scaleBusiness plan development
Operations & Customer Service
Hospitality and guest satisfaction
Inventory management and quality assurance
Analyzing and improving the customer experience
Operational decision-making
Finance & Accounting
P&L fundamentals & analysis
Budgeting & goal management
Cash flow for small businesses
Financial ratios & performance strategies
Additional Information
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Registration will open June 1st!
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Only if you want to! The weekly time commitment and live session hours are spread out across 12 weeks to ensure that working professionals can access education without interrupting normal work hours. If you are an owner/manager enrolling your employees, we recommend designing this program into their onboarding or training plan.
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Each cohort will have 20 people, led by the discussion leader through the live sessions.
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Yes! We developed this series as a direct response to community interest in resources to help business leaders upskill their employees.
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For now, the program is available in English. This course is taught by industry experts based in the United States, so while the fundamentals we cover can be applied from anywhere, some specific examples and references will draw from the US market.
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We’ll have specifics to share soon, but we’re working with subject matter experts from across the US to build a program that really dials in the details of running a successful retail or roasting business within this market.
They’ll be the voices and leaders for the self-paced learning, while your live sessions will be led by a discussion leader.
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No, this course does not have an exam component however there will be assignments to complete on your own time throughout. Those who complete the program will receive a certificate of participation and a badge on their SCA account.
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The cost for the course is $2,350 per learner. There are no academic or industry experience prerequisites.
Your enrollment fee includes:
12-week cohort program with online platform access
Live webinar & discussion group sessions
Certificate of completion
One Small Business SCA Company Membership ($420 value)
One World of Coffee USA 2026 attendee badge
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This course series is designed for all levels. You do not need prior academic or management experience!
All SCA Members may enroll, including the free Associate member tier!
Students under 18 must have a signed parental waiver.
Course content, materials, and schedules are designed around a US business context, but anyone can join.