Unlike other coffee shops in the area, Orlando's 'Downtown CREDO' is a non-profit organization that aims "to improve the quality of lives in our nation’s cities by cultivating networks of meaning, impact and community." As part of a partnership with several local charities and a network of Guatemalan coffee growers, Downtown CREDO established a donation-based coffee shop that has quickly become a hit with local residents.
Downtown CREDO begins by buying organic, Guatemalan coffee at fair trade prices and then selling it to customers on the basis of donations. The idea is that by challenging customers to name their price, they will assign value and meaning to their coffee and will think more about exactly where their money is going.
In addition to engaging customers in meaningful conversation, Downtown CREDO also partners with local non-profits and hosts events for local artists, all in an effort to help the entire community reach its maximum potential. As a result, it is a perfect spot for those attending Trend Hunter’s Orlando innovation conference to better understand how social causes are being integrated with traditional business pursuits.
Donation-Based Coffee Shops
Orlando's 'Downtown Credo' Lets Customers Pay What They Can for Coffee
Trend Themes
1. Donation-based Business Models - Implementing donation-based models in various industries can disrupt traditional pricing structures and encourage customers to assign value and meaning to products or services.
2. Social Impact Integration - Integrating social causes into traditional business pursuits can create meaningful connections with customers and contribute to the betterment of the community.
3. Community Engagement and Collaboration - Fostering community engagement and collaboration through events and partnerships can enhance the overall potential and success of businesses.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Implementing donation-based pricing structures in coffee shops, restaurants, or food delivery services can disrupt traditional payment models and create opportunities for customers to support causes.
2. Non-profit and Social Services - Integrating social causes into non-profit and social service organizations can create innovative approaches to fundraising and community involvement.
3. Art and Culture - Partnering with local artists and hosting events can provide opportunities for artistic collaboration and community engagement within the art and culture industry.