Success Story - Common Ground Coffee and Market

“As of October 15, 2024, [Common Ground] employs 10 part-time staff and have achieved 18,629 sales tickets, totaling about $198,000 in sales. Their grand opening day saw a record 310 tickets sold!”

 

Laurie Pearman and Sarah Keck identified a need for a community gathering space in their Boise neighborhood. They began with a pop-up at a local concert series, but their ultimate goal was a brick-and-mortar coffee shop. Facing skepticism as women entrepreneurs, they also struggled with limited commercial space options that needed major renovations. After nearly a year of searching, they recognized the necessity of securing a business loan due to their limited capital.

Their regional SBDC consultant provided tough love and valuable financial projections, emphasizing the challenges ahead and the need for quick self-sufficiency. Her guidance motivated them to be precise, resourceful, and realistic, which proved crucial when applying for an SBA loan. Since opening, they have regularly tracked actual performance against projections, helping to guide their progress.

On June 1, 2024, they opened their coffee shop featuring a full espresso menu, beer, wine, pastries, and snacks, along with a small market offering fresh bread, milk, cheese, and local goods.

They aim to be a community gathering space, hosting events like book clubs, music nights, and family karaoke to foster connections. Their community engagement was highlighted during a crowdfunding campaign, which helped fund a patio space completed by their Grand Opening on October 5, 2024, attended by Boise Mayor McLean for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.