25 Innovative Coffee Business Ideas You Can Start Today
Thinking of launching your first coffee business?
There are plenty of different coffee business ideas you can start with little capital.
We put together 25 different coffee business ideas and provide examples on how to get started:
1. Start a podcast ($5.03K/year)
Darren Reighard from Carlisle started Cars of Carlisle almost 5 years ago, a podcast.
- Revenue: $419/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Carlisle
In the winter of 2018, I ran into a friend as we were clearing snow from our cars. As we began to catch up in the parking lot that bitterly cold morning, he explained that he had been successful with a podcast about his Amazon and eBay seller business. As we both live in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the epicenter of automotive car shows and car parts swap meets, he knew that I was a car aficionado. Sagely, my friend identified a need -- that our hometown was without an automotive podcast. However, he admitted he did not have the time, interest, or knowledge. This is where the cartoon light bulb came on for me!
It is critically important for me to build strong relationships and loyalties with our listenership.
With my mass communications degree and love of production and writing, the natural path was for me to “take the wheel” and create a virtual product to fill this niche and market gap. At that time, I was busy and satisfied working 45+ workweeks in the same corporate management position that I still happily hold today; however, this new passion creatively fueled me.
2. Start a dropshipping business ($0/year)
Amanda Austin from Erie, Pennsylvania, USA started Little Shop of Miniatures about 6 years ago, a dropshipping business.
- Revenue: $/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
I was unhappily working in marketing for a Fortune 500 insurance company when I started looking at ways to create a new income stream. I became interested in ecommerce and invested in a course to learn more. I compiled a list of keywords for products that had decent search volume and not terribly competitive to rank for in organic search. I used Long Tail Pro to get ideas--I had so many when I first started!
My business is a small, mostly passive income stream and I’m okay with that. There is so much more I could be doing with my store, but right now I am loving the extra income stream that allows me to work part-time at my day job and spend more time with my infant daughter.
A bunch of keywords in the dollhouse miniatures space fit the bill. I used Long Tail Pro and looked for keywords that were competitive--which on there is a score in the twenties or low thirties. I also wanted them to have at least 2,000 searches per month. This is not a ton, but five keywords with that search volume that are not that competitive can lead to a decent number of organic traffic if you build your site the right way. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to find a niche with a nice handful of keywords you can rank for with quality content and a nice backlinking strategy. Don’t try to be number one for some saturated keyword that has a million searches a month. Go for keywords where you stand a chance of ranking--this is usually so-called long tail keywords that are really phrases--for example, “wooden dollhouse furniture” instead of just “dollhouse.”
3. Create an online course ($60K/year)
Lidiya Kesarovska from The Netherlands started Let's Reach Success almost 10 years ago, a online course.
- Revenue: $5,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: The Netherlands
Back in 2013, I had already discovered my passion - personal development - and had realized writing is the best way to express myself. So I combined these and started a self-improvement blog.
Starting the blog was the best decision and not giving up on it over the years (even when no traffic or money was coming in) was what helped me move forward.
It was first just a hobby and I knew nothing about blogging. Over the years, after publishing a ton of content, gaining traffic, learning about SEO, email marketing, social media, and all the ways to monetize a blog, it became a real business.
4. Start a coffee subscription box ($36K/year)
Courtney Todd from Tauranga, New Zealand started Fernweh about 5 years ago, a Coffee Subscription Box.
- Revenue: $3,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
This idea was birthed over one night over Mexican food while talking to a friend who is in the coffee industry. I’ve always flirted with starting a business in the coffee industry or doing something with coffee, however, the NZ market is heavily saturated so I never saw an opportunity.
I found celebrating even the little steps was so helpful to feel like I was going in the right direction and that this wasn’t just another job but it was my own.
When we were dreaming of this subscription service it didn’t take much convincing for me to start it. I love working with people so being in a position to work with the amazing coffee roasters and the customers was a winning situation for me. When looking at the market at the time there were only a couple roasters who offered subscriptions so being able to have a subscription that featured more than one brand was what I thought was a brilliant idea.
5. Start a coffee roasting business ($90K/year)
Michael Russo from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada started Firebean Coffee Roasters about 8 years ago, a coffee roasting business.
- Revenue: $7,500/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 1
- Location: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
I’m a life-long learner.
I believe in play, and I love to create stuff. I’m a teacher by trade, turned to stay at home dad. The joke has been if you leave a guy at home long enough, he will find hobbies...and they sometimes involve fire.
Talk to a small group of peeps that are not being served in a certain way and provide that small group a really awesome experience.
6. Start a coffee capsule business ($252K/year)
Jack Bramhall from Manchester, England, United Kingdom started Mugpods over 7 years ago, a coffee capsule business.
- Revenue: $21,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 2
- Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Throughout my teenage years I had a few small ecommerce businesses and loved the idea of being an entrepreneur.
I am a self-taught web designer, and have quite a lot of experience with digital marketing and search engine optimisation. That being said, my previous websites/businesses never really succeeded due to lack of funds and/or operating in highly saturated markets.
The samples arrived and Mike and I (very excitedly) spent an evening trying each and every flavour, they tasted fantastic and worked perfectly across multiple machine models. We then invited friends and family to give them a try and had 100% positive feedback.
7. Start a coffee brand ($24K/year)
Laure Lemboumba from Houston, TX, USA started Golden Made Kafé almost 4 years ago, a coffee brand.
- Revenue: $2,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Houston, TX, USA
I am originally from Gabon in Central Africa, my family and I moved to France when I was three years old for business matters. Entrepreneurship has always been a dream of mine from witnessing my Dad multiple and diverse. Therefore, I went to the University of Technology in Roanne, France where I got my degree in Technology in Industrial Logistics, Quality, and Organization. At the end of my program, I was awarded the Young Creator of a National Production Unit in 2007.
Due to my business ambition, I decided to broaden my skills by adding international market language, English. So, I moved to Houston, Texas (US) to go further into my education. In 2014, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston-Downtown.
Consequently, I got into coffee about six years ago when I started working for a coffee manufacturing plant in Houston. At that time, I was not a huge coffee drinker but after seeing what it takes to get a single cup of coffee and how it could make a difference in someone’s day. I knew I wanted to be an actor in that industry.
8. Start a coffee blog ($96K/year)
Demri Robinson from Austin, TX, USA started Little Coffee Place over 7 years ago, a coffee blog.
- Revenue: $8,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 4
- Location: Austin, TX, USA
Before LittleCoffee Place I was in college pursuing a bachelor’s in mathematics. After college, I moved around and landed a job with Tesla in Colorado. Here I learned about work ethic, due diligence, and how to manage heavy stress loads. I went from drinking decaf to espresso shots! And Rodrigo lived in Argentina and was teaching himself how to code and be a web developer.
Switching from a high-pressure work environment to running an online business was relieving yet terrifying. Leaving the security of familiarity took a lot of convincing.
So how the heck did we meet, right? The story of how Rodrigo and I connected is a pretty 21st Century cliche. Simply online via a mutual friend through social media. But who knew that such a common connection would lead to a business venture. Aside from mutual friends, we found that we had a mutual love for Coffee! I mean who doesn’t, right? The concept for Little Coffee Place came from Rodrigo.
9. Start a coffee cart
Examples of a successful coffee cart:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee cart:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Espresso! Starting And Running Your Own Coffee Business: Julie S Huffaker
- The Daily Grind: How To Open & Run A Coffee Shop That Makes Money: Andrew J Bowen
Learn more about starting a coffee cart ➜
My name is Beth Baxter and I co-founded Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business. The idea for our business started with my partner’s love for vintage VW campervans. He had a rusty old shell of a T25 Campervan given to him, that he wanted to convert into a trailer for his motorbikes.
Although we never really thought about this ever becoming more than just a lifestyle business, we found we were turning so much work away from that in 2019 when the company was turning over around £150k from working only 70 days of the year, we decided that I should go full-time to see the potential.
10. Start a coffee delivery business
Examples of a successful coffee delivery business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee delivery business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start & Run A Coffee Bar (Start & Run Business Series): Tom Matzen
- Coffee Shop Business. How To Start A Coffee Shop Now!: Coffee Shop Book For Massive Money By Starting Your Own Coffee Shop!: Brian Mahoney
Learn more about starting a coffee delivery business ➜
11. Start a coffee kiosk
Examples of a successful coffee kiosk :
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee kiosk :
- Starting A Coffee Shop Business: Part One (Planning)
- How To Start A Coffee Shop ☕ [Easy Step-By-Step Breakdown]
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Successful Mobile Coffee Shop: A Detailed Launch Plan
- Coffee Shop Business Smart Startup: How To Start, Run & Grow A Trendy Coffee House On A Budget: Rick Robinson
Learn more about starting a coffee kiosk ➜
My name is Beth Baxter and I co-founded Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business. The idea for our business started with my partner’s love for vintage VW campervans. He had a rusty old shell of a T25 Campervan given to him, that he wanted to convert into a trailer for his motorbikes.
Although we never really thought about this ever becoming more than just a lifestyle business, we found we were turning so much work away from that in 2019 when the company was turning over around £150k from working only 70 days of the year, we decided that I should go full-time to see the potential.
12. Start a coffee shop
Examples of a successful coffee shop:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee shop:
- Starting A Coffee Shop Business: Part One (Planning)
- $100k Invested To Start A Coffee Shop (Did It Work?)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Coffee Shop Business Smart Startup: How To Start, Run & Grow A Trendy Coffee House On A Budget: Rick Robinson
- The Daily Grind: How To Open & Run A Coffee Shop That Makes Money: Andrew J Bowen
Learn more about starting a coffee shop ➜
My name is Beth Baxter and I co-founded Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business. The idea for our business started with my partner’s love for vintage VW campervans. He had a rusty old shell of a T25 Campervan given to him, that he wanted to convert into a trailer for his motorbikes.
Although we never really thought about this ever becoming more than just a lifestyle business, we found we were turning so much work away from that in 2019 when the company was turning over around £150k from working only 70 days of the year, we decided that I should go full-time to see the potential.
13. Start a drive-through coffee shop business
Examples of a successful drive-through coffee shop business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a drive-through coffee shop business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Starting Your Own Coffee Shop: Opening & Running A Successful Coffee Business
- Driven To Espresso - Drive-Through Coffee Stands In The Northwest: Ray Weisgerber
Learn more about starting a drive-through coffee shop business ➜
My name is Beth Baxter and I co-founded Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business. The idea for our business started with my partner’s love for vintage VW campervans. He had a rusty old shell of a T25 Campervan given to him, that he wanted to convert into a trailer for his motorbikes.
Although we never really thought about this ever becoming more than just a lifestyle business, we found we were turning so much work away from that in 2019 when the company was turning over around £150k from working only 70 days of the year, we decided that I should go full-time to see the potential.
14. Start a mobile coffee shop business ($180K/year)
Examples of a successful mobile coffee shop business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a mobile coffee shop business:
- Are Coffee Trucks Profitable? How Much Will I Make On Mobile Coffee Food Truck?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start A Mobile Coffee Truck
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Successful Mobile Coffee Shop: A Detailed Launch Plan
- Progressive Business Plan For A Mobile Coffee Shop
Learn more about starting a mobile coffee shop business ➜
My name is Beth Baxter and I co-founded Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business. The idea for our business started with my partner’s love for vintage VW campervans. He had a rusty old shell of a T25 Campervan given to him, that he wanted to convert into a trailer for his motorbikes.
Although we never really thought about this ever becoming more than just a lifestyle business, we found we were turning so much work away from that in 2019 when the company was turning over around £150k from working only 70 days of the year, we decided that I should go full-time to see the potential.
15. Start a coffee sweetener business
Examples of a successful coffee sweetener business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee sweetener business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Coffee Shop Business Smart Startup: How To Start, Run & Grow A Trendy Coffee House On A Budget: Rick Robinson
- Espresso! Starting And Running Your Own Coffee Business: Julie S Huffaker
Learn more about starting a coffee sweetener business ➜
16. Start an espresso machine business
Examples of a successful espresso machine business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a espresso machine business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Espresso! Starting And Running Your Own Coffee Business: Julie S Huffaker
- The Coffee Shop Business Plan: How to Open a Coffee Shop and Ensure it's Successful, Popular, And Profitable: Jonathan Schafer
Learn more about starting an espresso machine business ➜
17. Start a coffee review business
Examples of a successful coffee review business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee review business:
- How To Start A Consulting Business
- The Daily Coffee Pro | I'm a Coffee Consultant, How Much Should I be Charging?
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Coffee Shop Business Smart Startup: How To Start, Run & Grow A Trendy Coffee House On A Budget: Rick Robinson
- The Daily Grind: How To Open & Run A Coffee Shop That Makes Money: Andrew J Bowen
Learn more about starting a coffee review business ➜
18. Become a tik tok personality
Examples of a successful tik tok personality:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a tik tok personality:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Tik Tok No (Friend Zone Book 1) - Kindle Edition By Ravens
- The Tiktok Challenge: Eagle, Will: 9781786279224: Amazon
Learn more about starting a tik tok personality ➜
Riyaz Ali is a popular Indian Tiktok star and social media influencer.
- Over 45.2M followers on Tik Tok and 27M+ Instagram followers.
- On TikTok, his videos have about 2.1B likes.
- Videos consist of comedy, dances, and collaborations with fellow TikTokers and Indian actors or stars. - Riyaz is just 19 and making around ₹70 lakh per anum from TikTok, Instagram, and paid promotions.

Read the full story on biooverview.com →
19. Become a coffee farmer
Examples of a successful coffee farmer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee farmer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Coffee: Growing, Processing, Sustainable Production
- Coffee Shop Business. How To Start A Coffee Shop Now!: Coffee Shop Book For Massive Money By Starting Your Own Coffee Shop!: Brian Mahoney
Learn more about starting a coffee farmer ➜
20. Start a coffee exporting business
Examples of a successful coffee exporting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee exporting business:
- Your 6-Step Guide To Starting An Import Export Business
- Exporting Business - How To Launch An Exporting Business - Ask Evan
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Coffee Shop Business Smart Startup: How To Start, Run & Grow A Trendy Coffee House On A Budget: Rick Robinson
- Espresso! Starting And Running Your Own Coffee Business: Julie S Huffaker
Learn more about starting a coffee exporting business ➜
21. Start a farmers market
Examples of a successful farmers market:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a farmers market:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Farm: The Authoritative Guide to Becoming a Sustainable 21st Century Farmer: Forrest Pritchard
- How to Start a Business at The Farmers Market
Learn more about starting a farmers market ➜
22. Start a coffee branding business
Examples of a successful coffee branding business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee branding business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Starting Your Own Coffee Shop: Opening & Running A Successful Coffee Business: Jessica Simms
- The Daily Grind: How To Open & Run A Coffee Shop That Makes Money: Andrew J Bowen
Learn more about starting a coffee branding business ➜
23. Become a youtube personality
Examples of a successful youtube personality:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a youtube personality:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Become A Youtube Superstar: Quick Start Guide
- Crushing Youtube: How To Start A Youtube Channel, Launch Your Youtube Business And Make Money: Joseph Hogue
Learn more about starting a youtube personality ➜
- Zoella has a total net worth of more than $5 million as of January 2021.
- She earned this fortune by uploading her YouTube videos and has almost a billion views.
- She has 10.8 millions of subscribers on YouTube.
- Her popularity made her appear in several advertisements and has also appeared on television.
Read the full story on influencermatchmaker.co.uk ➜
24. Start a coffee magazine
Examples of a successful coffee magazine:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee magazine:
- Coffee And Cigarettes By Nicolas Kern For W Magazine
- Advertising Business - Start A Generic Clipper Magazine, Valpack, Coffee News
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Daily Grind: How to open and run a coffee shop that makes money
- The Daily Grind: How To Open & Run A Coffee Shop That Makes Money: Andrew J Bowen
Learn more about starting a coffee magazine ➜
25. Start a coffee logistics business
Examples of a successful coffee logistics business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a coffee logistics business:
- Building A Logistics Startup 📦 With Trusk, Totem, Spacefill & Nicolas Colin
- Start-Ups Changing The Food Delivery Business - Bbc News
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Daily Grind: How To Open & Run A Coffee Shop That Makes Money: Andrew J Bowen
- The Coffee Shop Business Plan: How to Open a Coffee Shop and Ensure it's Successful, Popular, And Profitable: Jonathan Schafer
Learn more about starting a coffee logistics business ➜
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
Get our 5-minute email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.