Coffee Business Survival Guide: Preparing for 2027 (Lee Safar) | EP1719 Part 4 of 5 (Map It Forward)
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Episode Description
This is part 4 of a new 5-part solo series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward hosted by Lee Safar. In this final solo series of 2026, Lee examines how coffee businesses can prepare for what she believes will be an exceptionally unpredictable and challenging year across the global coffee industry.
In this episode, Lee offers a practical guide for existing coffee business owners and entrepreneurs considering entering the industry in 2027.
She begins with a difficult question: should every struggling coffee business continue operating? Lee discusses the reality of financially distressed or "zombie businesses" and why, for some exhausted owners, closing responsibly and with dignity may be a better option than taking on further financial and personal hardship.
For those committed to continuing, Lee explains why responsible business practices and responsible pricing models need to become the foundation for navigating uncertainty.
For aspiring coffee entrepreneurs, she challenges unrealistic profit expectations and recommends entering the industry with a thorough understanding of market volatility, operating costs, and at least 12 months of capital to cover operating expenses and the cost of goods sold.
Lee then outlines the essential business fundamentals that owners should revisit before 2027, including defining their values, vision and mission, understanding financial statements, calculating cash runway, and finding practical ways to improve cash flow.
She also discusses the importance of conducting due diligence on suppliers, understanding the financial health of B2B customers, spending within your means, and resisting the temptation to compete by copying other businesses.
The episode provides four scenarios for businesses to prepare for: declining costs, stable costs, increases of approximately 10%, and increases of 20–30% or more.
Finally, Lee emphasises why strong professional and personal support networks, alongside physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, will be essential for business owners navigating the challenges ahead.
Connect with Lee Safar and Map It Forward:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leesafar
Map It Forward: https://mapitforward.coffee