NEWS

Starting a Business (Not So) Comprehensive Guide

Step 1: Business Idea
Start by defining a clear business idea. Consider what product or service you want to offer to the market. Ensure your business idea adds value and meets market needs. SOLVE A PROBLEM!

Step 2: Market Research
Before proceeding, conduct comprehensive market research. This should include:

Identifying your target market.
Assessing market size and expected growth.
Analyzing existing competitors and understanding their strengths and weaknesses.
Evaluating the needs and desires of your demographics.

Step 3: Business Plan
Develop a thorough business plan. Your business plan should encompass the following elements:

Business goals and long-term vision.
Marketing strategy, including identifying your target market and how you’ll promote your business.
Financial planning, including startup expenses, revenue projections, and cash flow.
Organizational structure if you plan to hire employees.

Step 4: Business Registration
Register your business with the appropriate authority, such as SSM or the local PBT (pihak berkuasa tempatan). Choose the business entity type that aligns with your business plan, such as a Enterprise, LLP, or Sdn Bhd.

Step 5: Obtain Funding
Secure the necessary capital to start your business. Ways to obtain funding may include:

Personal savings.
Business loans from banks or financial institutions.
Investments from partners or potential investors.
Ensure you have a solid financial plan and realistic expectations for how you’ll use your capital.
Begging, Borrowing and even (not encouraged) Stealing!

Step 6: Financial Aspects
Consider financial aspects carefully. This includes:

Opening a business bank account to separate personal and business funds.
Understanding tax implications and adhering to tax regulations.
Maintaining regular financial statements to track business performance.

Step 7: Legal Compliance
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This may involve obtaining the necessary business licenses, understanding labor laws, and handling tax matters appropriately.

Step 8: Business Location
Choose a suitable business location, if applicable. Make sure it’s easily accessible to your target customers and consider renting or purchasing a physical space.

Step 9: Human Resources
If needed, hire and train employees. Make sure you comply with Malaysianlabor laws, and foster a positive work culture. Else, just DIY everything first.

Step 10: Marketing
Develop an effective marketing strategy, which may include:

Building a business website and utilizing social media.
Running advertising and promotional campaigns.
Actively engaging with customers and collecting feedback.

Step 11: Monitor and Improve
Regularly monitor your business performance. Collect data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for product or service improvement.

Step 12: Business Growth
Once your business stabilizes, consider expanding or seeking new growth opportunities. This might involve opening additional branches, exporting products internationally, or diversifying your product range.

Continue learning and adapting to market changes. Starting a business is an ongoing process, and success requires patience and determination.

Anyways, just some quick writeup on my part. Next part I will discuss how to apply these for a coffee/cafe biz in Malaysia!

Bonjour, and welcome! Today let me introduce you to the Caturra Double Fermentation beans. I used it at my attempt for Malaysian Brewers Cup 2023, in Muka Cafe, Kuantan, Pahang. The beans, grown by Wilton Benitez at Granja Paraiso 92 in the area of Piendamó, Cauca, Colombia at an altitude between 1700 and 1900 above sea level. This coffee is special, as it has undergone a double anaerobic fermentation process with yeasts and thermal shock wash. This ensures that the sugars become more readily available for the fermentation, which in turn prevents oxidation. The result is a coffee with an intense fruit flavor and a full-bodied taste, with an incredible sweetness and a long, smooth aftertaste.

What sets this coffee apart is the ultra-light roast, done under specific instructions from me by Wilson Siew of Crackpots Roasters. This roast profile was carefully researched and chosen to highlight the unique flavor profile of this coffee.

BREWING METHODS AND TASTE NOTES

Now, let’s talk about the tasting notes. To get the most out of this coffee, we’ll be using a HARIO SWITCH method, which allows us to use IMMERSION AND POUR-OVER and get the perfect extraction. We’ll start by pre-wetting our filter, then adding our coffee grounds and starting the brew.The coffee to water ratio will be 1:15, which means that for every gram of coffee, I’ll be using 15 grams of water. I’ll be brewing with water at 64 degree Celsius to bloom it first in immersion mode, and after 45 seconds, switch it to pour-over and subsequently I will use water at 90 degrees Celsius. I will then use 300g of water with the TDS of 120, made from 1 part bicarbonate and 2 parts magnesium to bring out the sweetness of flavors for this bean.

Moments during the open service session of the MBrC 2023

As the coffee blooms, you’ll start to notice the fruity aroma of blackcurrant, raspberry, and passionfruit. As the water starts to develop the grounds further, you will notice delicate hints of peaches and papaya with a finish of hops and cinnamon. The long and smooth aftertaste is accompanied by an incredible sweetness throughout.

But the real magic happens as the coffee cools down. You’ll notice a flavor shift towards pina colada and tropical fruit punch, giving a very pleasant finish.

In conclusion, this coffee is truly exceptional. The unique flavor profile, the double anaerobic fermentation process with yeasts and thermal shock wash, and the ultra-light roast all contribute to a remarkable taste experience. Thank you for allowing me to share this coffee with you today.