October is National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to honor the resilience, creativity, and impact of women entrepreneurs. At Momentum Coffee, this month holds a special meaning. Our journey, our partnerships, and our growth have always been rooted in the strength of women who believe in building not just businesses, but communities.

Momentum Coffee Co-founder Nikki Bravo put it best:
“No matter how many times we think about walking away, we stay because we know the impact small businesses like Momentum Coffee have on our communities.”

For Nikki and our team, this statement isn’t just about persistence, it’s about purpose. Running a small business is not easy. There are long days, unexpected challenges, and moments where it would be easier to step away. But the reason Momentum endures is the impact: the jobs created, the young people mentored, the nonprofits supported, and the space we’ve built where neighbors gather and connections grow. It’s the ripple effect: when one small business thrives, an entire community benefits.

Our former Assistant Manager, Kaia Powell, witnessed that same resilience up close when Momentum opened its doors in 2020. From training and menu building to understanding the true costs behind every cup, she saw that small business ownership is about more than selling a product. Kaia reminds us that Momentum has always been about more than coffee. It’s about creating space for connection, community, and growth.

And that’s exactly what we’ve done. Momentum has built strong roots by partnering with nonprofits, hosting STEM programs, and creating a gathering place where people come together and thrive. Kaia continues to share this same passion with Momentum to this day, reflecting a truth we’ve always believed: the real power of small businesses lies in people and purpose.

That purpose shines through in the Build Momentum Food Incubator Program, which has supported and elevated women-owned small businesses. Through this program, we’ve had the honor of collaborating with inspiring entrepreneurs like Sweetest Redemption and Garden of Edith Juice, who brought their flavors, stories, and vision to our café through pop-ups and partnerships.