Changing Lives Through Coffee
The Canadian Barista Institute is more than a training school. We're a social enterprise that believes coffee education should be accessible to everyone - regardless of their circumstances.
Our Mission
We exist to remove barriers to coffee education. Through partnerships with community organizations, industry supporters, and alumni who pay it forward, we've opened doors for at-risk youth, new immigrants, women, and aspiring entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have access to professional training.
Learn more about our mission →
Our Impact
10+ Years of Accessible Education
Years of saying yes to students who need support
Multiple Pathways to Training
Formal bursaries, corporate-funded scholarships, flexible payment options, and spontaneous support for entrepreneurs
Community-Powered Model
Partnerships with social service organizations and coffee industry suppliers who redirect commissions to fund student opportunities
Alumni Who Give Back
Graduates returning as volunteers, mentors, and advocates for the next generation
Alumni Sponsors: Paying It Forward
Some of our most meaningful support comes from graduates who've built successful careers and businesses after training with CBI - and choose to give back by sponsoring the next generation of coffee professionals.
A recent sponsor: "I feel 100% confident to set up my own cafe after completing the full training program including both the barista hands-on training and the coffee business course. Jamie and Gio are best mentors for anyone who wants to pick up the trade in the shortest possible time." - Christina Tang, Founder and CEO of Micro Roast Coffee
Another recent supporter: Early Refill inside Evergreen Pharmacy (Thunder Bay, Ontario) generously supported Kinga Mahboubian to enroll in the Opening a Coffee Business course through our Student Wholesale Buying Club. Kinga, who was also supported by the Immigrant Services Society of BC, shared: "I like to study with them because for them it's not just about the money it's about to help you achieve your dreams, they want to see you succeed."
Want to sponsor a student? If you're an alumnus who'd like to pay it forward, contact us to learn how you can support accessible coffee education.
Corporate Partners: Funding the Future
How It Works:
When our students purchase equipment from trusted industry partners, these companies redirect a portion of their referral commissions back to CBI. Instead of keeping these funds, we reinvest them directly into bursaries and financial support for students who need it most.
This is capitalism with a conscience - where business relationships create opportunity for the next generation.
Our Industry Partners
Why This Matters:
These partnerships demonstrate that the coffee industry can be a force for good. When equipment suppliers, training schools, and students stay in their own lane yet choose work towards a common good - everyone wins - especially those who face barriers to entry.
Interested in becoming a Industry Partner? Contact us to learn how your business can support accessible coffee education.
Community Partners: Opening Doors Together
We partner with organizations that share our belief that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their starting point.
YWCA Vancouver
Partnership Focus: Supporting women facing barriers to employment
Impact: Providing partially-funded barista training to help women gain skills and confidence for careers in the coffee industry
"They made the course both accessible and practical. We are grateful for their partnership!"April Klassen, YWCA Vancouver Facilitator
Immigrant Services Society of BC
Partnership Focus: Supporting newcomers to Canada in building careers
Impact: Removing financial barriers to professional coffee training for immigrants establishing themselves in their new home
"Highly recommend this place! My experience with them was absolutely amazing."
Kinga Mahboubian, ISSBC-supported student
Vancouver School Board
Partnership Focus: At-risk youth employment readiness
Impact: Hands-on coffee training that leads directly to job placements in local cafés
"Out of our 8 students, 4 have already completed their resumes and are working with staff to gain employment in various neighbouring coffee shops." Nathan Hambly, Youth & Family Worker
"It's awesome, hands-on learning. We'll definitely keep coming back." Matthew Friesen, Teacher, Tupper Nova Program
Our Full Network of Community Partners
In addition to the partnerships highlighted above, we work with organizations across Canada to make coffee education accessible:
- YMCA of Three Rivers
- Indigenous Tourism BC
- Sherbourne Health
- LSI Education
- ISSBC (Immigrant Services Society of BC)
- Vancouver School Board - Tupper Nova
- Vancouver School Board - Alternate Programs
- Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
- YWCA
- Kahnawà:ke's Economic Development Commission
- AdsUp Canada
View our complete list of approved organizations & schools →
Interested in partnering with us? If your organization serves communities that could benefit from accessible coffee education, we'd love to explore how we can work together.
How It Works: Funding Transparency
We believe in being completely transparent about how we fund accessible coffee education.
The Social Enterprise Model
1. Corporate Partnerships Generate Funding
When students purchase equipment from our industry partners (Zuccarini, Genius, Prime, ABS), these companies redirect referral commissions to CBI instead of keeping them as profit.
2. We Reinvest 100% Into Student Support
These funds don't go into our pockets - they go directly into bursaries, discounted tuition, and financial support for students who need it. This is our Student Wholesale Buying Club, a service available to all past and present alumni which allows students to purchase items at a group discount.
3. Community Organizations Identify Students
Partners like YWCA, Immigrant Services Society of BC, and Vancouver School Board connect us with individuals who would benefit from training but face financial barriers.
4. We Say Yes
Whether it's a formal bursary application, a spontaneous opportunity to help entrepreneurs, or flexible payment arrangements - we find ways to make training accessible.
5. Students Build Careers
Graduates go on to work in cafés, open their own businesses, and some even return as volunteers to support the next generation.
Our Ethical Commitments
✓ We decline manufacturer commissions that would compromise our unbiased education
✓ We pass savings to students rather than maximizing profit
✓ We share knowledge openly - "open source" coffee education
✓ We support flexibility - meeting students where they are financially
✓ We measure success by impact - not just enrollment numbers
Apply for Support
At the Canadian Barista Institute, we are excited to offer our bursary program, aimed at supporting individuals who meet specific criteria in pursuing coffee education. We believe in empowering diverse communities, and our bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to those facing various challenges.
If you or someone you know falls under any of the following categories, we invite you to apply for our bursary:
- At-risk youth
- At-risk women
- At-risk individuals identifying as they/them/theirs
- New immigrants
- Prisoners undergoing rehabilitation
- Members of under-served communities
To apply, please visit our contact page and send your request for the bursary application form. We will respond within normal business hours. We look forward to receiving your request, application, and for being part of your journey towards a brighter future through coffee education.
Get Involved
Are you a business that wants to give back? Explore corporate partnership opportunities.
Are you an alumnus who wants to pay it forward? Consider mentoring, volunteering, or contributing to future bursaries.
