Brewing Opportunity: Kwetu Coffee CIC’s Mission to Empower Refugee and Migrant Communities
Founder Antony Kimani used eight years of coffee industry experience and his own journey of integration in Scotland to establish Kwetu Coffee CIC, a social enterprise that equips refugees, asylum seekers and migrants with practical skills while fostering cultural exchanges and community inclusion.
Building community through coffee
Based on lived experience, Kwetu Coffee CIC brings an authentic understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers to Scotland and creates meaningful pathways for skills, connection, and belonging.
They focus on three key challenges: the lack of employment opportunities among refugees and asylum seekers, the social and cultural isolation many newcomers experience, and the limited opportunities these groups have for meaningful cultural exchange and inclusion.
Kwetu Coffee CIC addresses barriers to employment, social isolation, and cultural integration, providing practical skills, confidence, and opportunities for social inclusion.
Becoming a social enterprise enabled Kwetu Coffee CIC to blend commercial activity with meaningful social impact. Through barista and hospitality training, mobile coffee catering, pop-up cafés, and community events that bring together coffee, food, music, and art, they generate sustainable income while reinvesting profits into skills development and community programmes.
Meet the Founder
Founder Antony Kimani arrived in Scotland from Dubai with eight years of experience in the coffee industry. Although he holds a degree in journalism, it was coffee that became his first pathway to employment, helping him build confidence, navigate local systems, and connect with people.
Inspired by his own journey, Antony set out to recreate that experience for others:
“Coffee was my first pathway to employment, confidence, and integration. I wanted to replicate this empowerment for others, using coffee as both a practical skill and a cultural bridge.”
“Kwetu” means ‘our home’ in Swahili – symbolising belonging, shared humanity, and cultural connection, and this is exactly what Kwetu Coffee CIC does.
How Firstport supported Kwetu Coffee CIC
Kwetu Coffee CIC received support from Pounds for Purpose in 2024 and Start It in 2025. This funding enabled Antony to purchase essential equipment and mobile units, expand marketing and outreach, strengthen community partnerships across Glasgow, and diversify income streams to sustain their impact.
Beyond financial support, Antony benefited from strategic guidance on financial planning, business strategy, marketing, partnerships, and community engagement, some of which was delivered through Start It Office Hours run by Relationship Managers Karen Fitzsimmons and Jacky Tjivikua.
Before applying for Start It, Antony asked questions about legal structures, marketing, financial sustainability, and programme delivery, ensuring Kwetu Coffee CIC was well-prepared.
The combination of grant funding and tailored support have allowed them to achieve their goals of skills development, community integration, and cultural inclusion.
Reflecting on his experience, Antony advises those seeking support from Firstport to:
“Engage fully with advisors, be open to guidance on strategy and impact measurement, clearly articulate objectives, participate in webinars and networking events, and seek feedback on funding applications and project design.”
What’s next for Kwetu Coffee?
Kwetu Coffee CIC continues to empower individuals, build community cohesion, and celebrate diversity through coffee and culture.
Antony has high ambitions for the future and will be aiming to expand barista training workshops across Scotland.
Long-term, he also wants to:
- Explore further partnerships and funding opportunities for sustainable growth
- Establish a permanent community café hub in Glasgow city centre
- Create structured employment pathways with local cafés
- Increase cultural and community events showcasing refugee creativity
- Grow online presence and marketing outreach
Follow the latest updates from Kwetu Coffee on Instagram.
Curious about Start It? Join one of our upcoming Start It Office Hours.