Running a coffee business in Los Angeles isn’t cheap, and access to the right kind of capital can make the difference between staying afloat and actually growing.

In this session, Inclusive Action for the City, a nonprofit lender and technical assistance provider serving small businesses across Los Angeles County, will share how coffee shop owners can access low-interest, responsible funding, and how to know when it may not be the right time to take on a loan.

We will walk through what lenders are really looking for beyond just credit score, the most common reasons applications are declined, and how to position your business to become loan-ready. We will also explore how to use capital strategically, whether you are upgrading equipment, expanding your menu, hiring staff, or opening a second location, without putting your business under unnecessary financial pressure.

To bring this to life, a coffee-focused business owner who has benefited from our programs will join the conversation to share their firsthand experience navigating financing, growth, and decision-making.

This is not a generic overview. It is a practical and honest conversation about money, growth, and sustainability, designed specifically for coffee entrepreneurs navigating tight margins, rising costs, and big ambitions.

You will leave with a clearer understanding of your financing options, practical steps to strengthen your financial profile, and the confidence to make smarter funding decisions for your business.