Startbien Coffee Shop fulfills a dream carried across borders. As a first-generation immigrant family, Javier and Elizabeth Hernández envisioned a place where they could work together, honor their roots, and pour encouragement into their community. Coffee has shaped their heritage since childhood, influenced by the fields, traditions, and care that define their family’s country of origin and culture. When they opened Startbien in December 2019, the café became more than a business; it became a message of hope, hospitality, and belonging for everyone who walks through its doors.

From the beginning, Startbien focused on quality and intention. The family personally selects and roasts beans each week, ensuring freshness and flavor that reflect both their cultural heritage and commitment to excellence. The shop serves handcrafted beverages alongside whole-bean and ground coffee for customers who want to recreate the Startbien experience at home. Families, students, workers, and travelers gather in a warm, peaceful atmosphere, greeted by Elizabeth and Javier with genuine kindness. Their mission remains simple: create a space where people feel valued and at home.

As their business grew, the family encountered a life-changing opportunity. The building that housed their café became available for purchase, along with two rental apartments that promised long-term financial stability. Although the opportunity felt like an answered prayer, they faced uncertainty around planning, financial preparation, and the complexity of the purchasing process. Community members encouraged them to contact the Blue Ridge Crossroads Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and that recommendation transformed their journey.

Working with the SBDC provided the Hernández family with structure, guidance, and confidence. Advisors helped them analyze the purchase opportunity, prepare detailed financials, and navigate each step required to secure a loan. Throughout the process, the SBDC team offered clarity and patience, supporting them from the earliest stages of decision-making all the way through closing on the property.

“The SBDC gave us more than business advice,” Elizabeth shared. “They gave us peace, confidence, and the assurance that we were not alone in this dream. Their guidance helped us become owners, not just renters, and now our family has a stable foundation for the future.”

With ownership secured and roasting operations expanding, the Hernández family focuses on strengthening their product line, growing online sales, and continuing to pour generosity and faith into every café experience. They hope to open a second location someday, but for now, they remain committed to serving their community with gratitude, excellence, and love.

Startbien Coffee Shop continues to reflect the message at the heart of its name: Start your day with hope.

• Secured $160,000 in bank financing with SBDC guidance to purchase their building and two rental units.

• Expanded into a second revenue stream through rental property management

• Increased sales by 35% after strengthening business structure.

• Grew roasted coffee offerings and launched online promotions to reach new customers

• Added five employees, reinforcing Startbien’s role as a growing small business in Galax.

• Expanded from one to multiple childcare locations in Virginia Beach
• Served more than 3,000 children
• Created and sustained dozens of local jobs
• Increased enrollment and capacity by over 30% since partnering with the SBDC
• Secured $150,000 in recovery funding that strengthened operations and facilities