True Blue Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee owner Lauren LaFranc now embarks on a huge business venture by assisting farmers globally by bringing a difference to the coffee industry with technological solutions.
Her business is now registered in the UK as Little Coffee Company. Her mission to help farmers has taken her across Africa where she visits farms and plans to make strides.
“Small-holder farmers have difficulty accessing funding, and getting the pay they deserve for their crop. Up to 50 per cent of crop value vanishes between picking and point of sale,” Le Franc said.
“Little Coffee Company plans to use technology that will change the balance of power across industries. It not only allows buyers direct access to farmers but offers complete transparency from the farmer to end-consumer. This data is not only beneficial for buyers but helps to increase the income of farmers and access to mobile finance,” she explained.
Since winning the opportunity to establish her coffee business in the United Kingdom, Le Franc recently received news that her contract would be renewed with the Launch Lab programme at City University in London which offers mentorship and support, as well as office space. She has also received support from the business community such as PWC's Social Enterprise Club.
The award-winning entrepreneur has received notable awards such as: the Inspiring Innovator Award awarded by a UK investment bank, The City University of London Green Spark Award, and has recently been appointed trustee to the Global Board of Common Purpose which assists emerging leaders with skills to cross boundaries.
“Winning these awards has not only given my business credibility but also helps to build my network with and accelerate our goals for the year. I have worked hard to really test my business model and winning these awards from such prestigious companies will enable us to offer the proper funding to help farmers.”
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