For my capstone entrepreneurship class, "New Venture Creation," I'm spending the semester writing a business plan. At the end of the semester I'll be presenting it to real investors and venture capitalists. I know I felt a calling towards ministry and I'm by no means disregarding that- which is kind of an issue I have with getting so excited over this- but that's besides the point. I need ideas!!
Basically my mini-dream has been a coffeehouse for the past ever. I've changed it and grown it and expounded on it, but what I have now is a cafe that's based around music and art and all that jazz. I'll post excerpts of the concept draft I had to write...
"Staccato coffeehouse will exist to create a highly individualized and relaxing atmosphere centered on music and the arts... Fostering the development of local talent and expression, Staccato will host frequent mini-concerts, open-mic style performances, art displays, classes, and other community-related events or performances.
Staccato will, first and foremost, serve as a focal point to harbor expression of otherwise untapped local talent. It is expected that artists can network and share accomplishments, and members of the community can meet, observe, study, relax- and all can simply enjoy each others’ company. Secondly, Staccato will take advantage of society’s recent awareness of health and fitness. Even with such an awareness having been brought to light, very few “fast” food servers use a truly healthy menu. Being placed in a high-traffic area, Staccato can use the in-and-out café repute to cater to those looking for a better on-the-road health food alternative. This opens opportunities for other health-related events down the road such as classes, speakers, and seminars.
Because music will be the main characteristic of the Staccato experience, there will always be an upcoming performance or show. Artists will be provided sound equipment, necessary stage props, and an area to sell any merchandise. As long as the size of Staccato’s building allows, there will be a separate room or otherwise isolated area available for reservation for meetings, parties, etc. Other than beverage items, certain café items are expected to be produced in-house to reduce cost and add to the authentic and personal ambiance. Other, more difficult menu items will be bought by the coffeehouse.
Because of the nature of the coffeehouse, Staccato will use limited advertising. There will be frequent events and performances that will be promoted throughout the music community. Hoping to create “the place to be,” Staccato will use a friendly, relaxing, and open dynamic to welcome new customers and encourage the return of any and all first-time visitors."
Since then it's been suggested that I have a website where people can blog, talk about upcoming events and shows, review events and shows that they've been to, etc. Any other ideas? So far my professor's told me he likes the idea of focusing in on local talent, but he said he gets nervous with businesses that try to create that "buzz" like cafes and sports bars and the like. I'm pretty pumped though.
