resilient communities initiative
A 12-month rural incubator program that equips smallholder women coffee farmers with training, peer support, and seed capital to establish resilient farm businesses and break out of the vicious cycle of food insecurity and poverty.
program components
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During the four month intensive part of the program, cohort participants attend weekly virtual workshops covering topics that are instrumental to helping gain clarity to grow sustainable farm businesses.
Bean Voyage delivers some curriculum as well as bring in third-party trainers and experts.
The final deliverable is a business plan which particiapants can use to diversify farm income.
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Each farmer that completes the program will access to a pool of micro-grants (total pool of $50,000 in 2024).
This grant will be distributed in two installments, one in November and one at the end of the program in January.
Participants use this grant to build on their business idea developed during the training phase.
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Participants are connected with other smallholder women coffee farmers in the Bean Voyage network.
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we bring a variety of subject matters to offer masterclasses on relevant and timely topics.
Meet Maria Fernanda Robles
a smallholder woman coffee farmer from Tarrazú, Los Santos, Costa Rica. In 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was grappling with the challenges of food insecurity and struggling to provide for her family. It was during this trying time that Maria Fernanda enrolled in Bean Voyage's food security program, in collaboration with the Starbucks Foundation and the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica (ICAFE).
With determination and support from Bean Voyage, Maria Fernanda applied for a seed fund to kickstart a beekeeping project. She started with six bee colonies and, within a year, transformed them into a thriving twelve-column apiary by the end of 2022.
But her journey didn't stop there. Maria Fernanda's entrepreneurial spirit led her to register her honey brand, Sueño Dulce (Sweet Dreams), allowing her to sell her honey in local supermarkets. In just the first year of operation, her brand has generated over $1,200+ and counting, in additional income for her family.
Maria Fernanda's story is a testament to the impact of Resilient Communities Initiative, demonstrating how with the right support and resources, smallholder women coffee farmers cannot only overcome adversity but also build resilient and thriving businesses for themselves and their families for the longer term.
resilient communities initiative at a glance
Assisted over 400 smallholder women coffee farmers, and 1,800 farming family members.
Provided over $65,000 in seed capital to 175 income-generating projects.
89% of program graduates reported increased self-confidence.
93% of participants feel comfortable and welcome in spaces where they can expand their knowledge.
Achieved a notable Social Return On Investment of $4.4 for every $1 invested in income diversification projects.
initiative partners
