Success Story _ Cuppa

Cuppa | Denver, CO

On February 22, 2025 Cuppa had it’s Grand Opening in LoHi at The Company. Owner, Beth Bogdewiecz had finally realized her dream of opening her own coffee and tea shop.

When asked what challenges she faced trying to make her dream a reality, she said there were key gaps in her capabilities in starting a business. Beth had the drive, the creativity, the experience in the field she chose, and a strong concept - but she didn’t have the business acumen for financials, taxes, or navigating the complex world of permits, zoning, and business licensing. Beth had always felt like an entrepreneur at heart, and working to make other people’s dreams come true rather than her own always felt wrong. She continued gravitating back to the idea of starting her own business but always seemed to start with the wrong phase, (at step 8 rather than step 1), and then give up when things didn’t work out. Beth also lacked the knowledge of a key pillar of good business: a basic understanding of finance. 

The tipping point came when she was referred to the Denver Metro SBDC. The SBDC helped Beth tremendously in so many ways. Not only did the Leading Edge for Entrepreneurs class help her clarify her concept, but it also helped her realize the steps she skipped in the past and where to begin in order to set up a good foundation. On top of that, the entire team at SBDC has helped Beth gain confidence in her abilities and realize that the gaps in her knowledge were smaller than she thought. The SBDC helped Beth understand what to prioritize - what she needed to learn versus what she could outsource - and answered all of the thousands of questions she had along the way with kindness and support. Beth said, “In my past endeavors, I felt like I was in a little boat floating on the ocean, hoping I was headed in the right direction. The SBDC has given me a compass, maps, oars, and people to help me row.”

Since opening her shop, Beth has filed her quarterly sales taxes accurately and on time every single month! She had never done that before, and as she indicated, it’s so empowering. SBDC advisor, Priscilla Orozco-Garcia had been an incredible guide with all of that. The Leading Edge for Entrepreneurs class Beth took at the Denver Metro SBDC was not only invaluable for mapping out the different phases in her business and all of her funding options, but helped her gain a clear understanding of which phase she was in and where she’s headed next.

When asked about the Leading Edge for Entrepreneurs class, Beth said, “It was also amazing to meet fellow entrepreneurs on their own journey during the class! A handful of us have stayed in touch and continue to meet and talk about problems, work through solutions, and offer support. I even made a connection just in the initial class kick-off call with a woman starting a challah bakery, and now she’s supplying my cafe with her delicious pastries! The SBDC has connected me with knowledgeable teachers and as well as peers - both of which have been vital in my success.” 

When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking about starting their own business Beth said, “If your fears or doubts are holding you back from starting your business, just have one call with someone at the SBDC. After that call, if you start wondering, “hmm…. MAYBE I could do this?” I encourage you to take a class. I’d be surprised if you’re still doubting yourself after that! I have recommended the SBDC to everyone I’ve ever spoken to who is even considering starting their own business - even people in other cities that don’t know about this amazing nationwide resource! One of my mottos throughout this adventure has been TRUST THE PROCESS. It’s an easy phrase to come back to again and again when I have hard days or hit roadblocks. Some days, it can be difficult to believe. However, everyone at the SBDC has helped me learn how to trust myself, and has given me the support to find that confidence within. Now, when I tell myself to keep trusting the process, I know I have a whole team of people who are supporting and believing in me, and cheering me on along the way!”

For more information, visit CUPPA.