2021: We’re not slowing down
Welcome to our plans page! We created this page just for YOU to get a snapshot of all of our programs for the upcoming year. For two years, Glitter Cat has been a competition training program, and we are excited to expand our programs to break away from the competition scene, but don’t worry! We are creating our own Digital competition and have plans to stay involved with the U.S. Coffee Champs.
2021 in Seven Steps
Expo 2021 Party Extravaganza
Cometogether.coffee a COVID-19 grant relief fund
Our Big Secret
Continue reading below for more information on each program.
*Glitter Cat’s year is based around the U.S. Coffee Championships calendar, meaning the “2021 Season” approximately runs from July 2020-June 2021.
Digi-Cats Digital Competition - The DiGiTiTiON
Since the 2021 U.S. Coffee Championships, have been canceled, we have decided to take matters into our own hands! We are launching The DiGiTiTiON with competition events in Barista, Brewers Cup, Roasters, Coffee & Booze, Tasters, and Latte Art.
Business Accountability Project
We are currently putting together our Business Accountability Project (BAP) for cafes and companies to implement anti-racism programs into hiring, operations, and cafe experience. Glitter Cat is committed to being an ongoing part of the anti-racism movement and plans on exploring as many possible ways to support BIPOC coffee professionals, specifically Black and Indigenous folx, starting with the BAP.
National Preparation Bootcamps
Ten Glitter Cats were eligible to compete in the 2020 United States Coffee in Good Spirits competition. However, because of COVID-19, their competition was pushed back to 2021. We plan on continuing to support them through to their nationals, even though they’ve been postponed a year! Coffee in Good Spirits, Roasters, and Cup Tasters nationals will now be in April 2021 at the Specialty Coffee Association Expo in New Orleans.
Competition Financial Aid
In 2020, Glitter Cat was able to support coffee competitors despite access to funding from their employers. Coffee competitions are expensive. While we're committed to giving people access to resources and training, we also want to work on providing direct financial aid competitors to offset travel, time off of work, and lost income."
Expo 2021 Event
Specially Coffee Association’s Expo 2021 will be the first time many of us see each other in over a year! COVID-19 has kept us socially distanced and safe, and we are planning a safe yet fabulous party in New Orleans. From food and beverages to games and activities, we hope to make this our most glitterific event yet! As always, all will be welcome to attend but this event will be a safe space specifically for coffee professionals from marginalized communities.
Cometogether.coffee
We have teamed up with Fellow, Mage, and Go Fund Bean to create Cometogether.coffee, a project to support small cafes and businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. This fund is specific to businesses owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, womxn, and people with disabilities. Additionally, at least 50% of grants will be awarded to Black and Indigenous-owned businesses.
Sitting on a Secret
Alyssa Edwards isn’t the only one with a secret. We have very exciting news coming this fall, so stay tuned to find out what our big secret is!
Tip - there are Easter eggs throughout the website alluding to what our big secret is!
