How 50 College Students Crowdfunded Their Own Cafe

Looking to open a coffee shop with zero capital and a team of like-minded students? One group of third-year hospitality majors just made it happen — and their story shows exactly how student-led crowdfunding can turn a classroom idea into a functioning business.

Fifty students from Zhejiang Industry & Trade College’s Hotel Management program each contributed 400 RMB to raise 20,000 RMB in startup capital for Da’an Cafe. The cafe opened yesterday in Zhejiang Creative Park and is entirely student-owned, with five classmates taking on full operational roles.

What Is Da’an Cafe — And Who Runs It?

Da’an Cafe is a new student-operated coffee shop located in Zhejiang Creative Park, part of Zhejiang Industry & Trade College. The cafe is owned by 50 third-year hotel management students, each of whom invested 400 RMB — adding up to a 20,000 RMB operating fund. While all 50 are shareholders, only five students manage daily operations: Chairman Wang Qi, Store Manager Lan Qiuxia, Assistant Manager Zhou Jiao, Finance Director Chen Jia, and Procurement Manager Yao Dingwu.

How Did the Students Raise the Startup Money?

The project began as a hands-on entrepreneurship initiative proposed by the college’s hospitality program. Each of the 50 students contributed 400 RMB, creating a 20,000 RMB pool. The school also provided significant support: a three-month free lease on the cafe space and a separate 100,000 RMB entrepreneurship fund. The students then competed by submitting detailed business plans covering branding, customer targeting, interior design, profit models, and shareholder returns. The winning team was selected through this competitive process.

Who Actually Manages the Day-to-Day Operations?

The daily management is handled by a core team of five students. They rotate through various roles including barista, server, cashier, and kitchen duties to gain full operational experience. “We plan to extend opening hours soon, so we’ll start hiring other students for part-time shifts,” said Wang Qi, the chairman. This ensures every student gets practical exposure, not just the owners.

What Happens When the Founding Students Graduate?

Da’an Cafe is designed as a permanent student training ground. Each management team serves for one year and then hands over operations to the next cohort of students — with shareholders reclaiming their original 400 RMB investment. The legal entity also changes every three years. “Our goal is to build a lasting entrepreneurial platform where each generation of students can engage in real market competition,” explained Huang Yuewei, the program’s entrepreneurship mentor.

What Role Did the College and Industry Play?

The college provided more than just funding. It connected the students with mentors from the Wenzhou Hospitality Association and the Wenzhou Venture Capital Research Institute. These experts advised on everything from shop layout and equipment setup to ingredient sourcing. Students were also sent to intern at hotels like Shangri-La and Wanhe Haosheng to learn professional skills in coffee and Western food preparation — essential for running a quality cafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did each student invest in Da’an Cafe?

Each of the 50 students contributed 400 RMB, making the total startup capital 20,000 RMB.

Who are the core managers of the cafe?

Five students run daily operations: Chairman Wang Qi, Store Manager Lan Qiuxia, Assistant Manager Zhou Jiao, Finance Director Chen Jia, and Procurement Manager Yao Dingwu.

What happens to the cafe when the current students graduate?

The current shareholders get their original 400 RMB back upon graduation, and the cafe is passed on to the next group of students, ensuring continuity.

Did the school provide any financial or material support?

Yes, the school offered a free three-month venue lease and a 100,000 RMB entrepreneurship fund, along with expert mentorship and internship opportunities.

How were the cafe managers selected?

Students submitted business plans covering strategy, branding, and operations, and the best proposal — created by the eventual management team — won the role through a competitive selection process.

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