Opening a Small Business Café in NYC

barista making coffee

New! Barista & Business Training from CCNY

Are you dreaming of launching a café or advancing your career in the coffee industry? Join our unique two-day program featuring hands-on barista training and small business workshops, ideal for anyone looking to develop barista skills, explore café ownership, or network with coffee professionals and enthusiasts.

Program Overview

April 16 – 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  

CCNY Campus 160 Convent Avenue, NYC

Includes specialized barista training (paid enrollment required), free small business workshops (RSVP required), and "Beyond the Barista,"panel and networking event on April 17 (details below).

Who Should Attend?

  • Aspiring café owners & entrepreneurs (no experience needed)
  • Baristas & professionals looking to advance their careers
  • Anyone interested in NYC's food & beverage industry 

For more information, contact us at  rangelinfrastructure@ccny.cuny.edu  or 212-650-6281.

Barista Intensive Training 

9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

  • Engage in hands-on training focused on espresso preparation, milk frothing, and creating high-quality coffee beverages.
  • Learn barista techniques from experienced professionals in the field.
  • Understand café workflows and operations while mastering exceptional customer service.

Paid enrollment is required.

The $1,200 fee includes materials, coffee tastings, and light refreshments.

Deadline: April 7, 2025.

ENROLL

Business Planning & Permitting Workshops 

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Business Planning Basics – business plan development, financial planning, funding options, and budgeting.
  • NYC’s Café Permitting Process – health department regulations, building permits, and zoning requirements.
  • Café Operations & Growth Strategies – marketing, customer engagement, and best practices for sustaining success.

Free and open to the public, regardless of enrollment in barista training. RSVP required. Hosted by:

RSVP

Panel & Networking Event – "Beyond the Barista: Life Skills & Career Growth”
Beyond the Barista panel

Moderated by Dr. Vincent Boudreau, President, CCNY

Thursday, April 17 | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM 


CCNY Campus | Shepard 107, 160 Convent Ave, NYC

Your time behind the counter is more than just a job—it’s a launchpad. Hear from professionals who started as baristas and used their skills to build thriving careers. Learn how skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving can open doors far beyond the café.

  • Engage in real conversations about career transitions and life skills.
  • Network with café owners, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs.

This event is free and open to all with registration—whether you're in the Opening a Small Business Café program or just curious about the journey from coffee to career success!

Last Updated: 04/02/2025 15:14