The Social Enterprise Company Using Coffee To Do Good – CoffeeTalk

Julian and Ricardo, two entrepreneurs passionate about coffee, felt compelled to return to Colombia after studying abroad to help foster their country’s development. They founded Urbania, a social enterprise coffee company, driven by the belief that not all Colombians have equal opportunities. Ricardo emphasized the importance of staying and contributing to Colombia’s future instead of leaving for better prospects elsewhere. Urbania was established not just to generate profits but to achieve a “triple impact” — economic, social, and environmental — particularly leveraging coffee, a staple of Colombian culture and identity.

Coffee is crucial as it supports the livelihoods of approximately 500,000 families across Colombia, providing employment in both rural and urban settings. Urbania has already opened a dozen cafes and has ambitious plans for further expansion. Julian noted the potential for environmental enhancement in coffee production, highlighting that many local farmers have historically employed unsustainable farming practices, such as excessive pesticide use and deforestation.

However, challenges persist for Urbania. The Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected sales, disrupting their cash flow. Additionally, instilling company values among employees in the fast-paced hospitality sector presents a challenge, as turnover is often high. Despite these obstacles, Julian and Ricardo remain committed to their mission of making a positive impact in Colombia through their coffee enterprise.

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