Mission
To make Cuban cafecito a household staple while honoring immigrant legacy, expanding cultural representation, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel seen, connected, and inspired to build stronger communities.
What We Do
Sweet Colada is a Cuban-inspired café and cultural brand serving handcrafted coffee, pastries, and curated hospitality experiences. We blend authentic flavor with modern design to create a welcoming “ventanita” style gathering space that encourages connection, creativity, and belonging.
Beyond daily service, we activate our brand through pop-ups, collaborations, catering, cultural programming, and community events that elevate women-owned and minority-led businesses.
Why It Matters
Preserves and elevates Cuban and immigrant culture in Louisville
Creates safe, inclusive community gathering spaces
Circulates dollars locally through partnerships and vendor collaborations
Generates jobs and leadership opportunities for women and bilingual talent
Strengthens neighborhood pride, safety, and connection
Collaborative Programming
Pop-ups, wellness activations, creative workshops, and small business partnerships that promote learning, health, and entrepreneurship.
Community Ambassador
City of Louisville Office for Women Ambassador, promoting city-wide gender equity and safety while using the business platform to highlight SBA hub-zones and small business partners in the area.
Carnavales de Sweet Havana
Large-scale cultural festival celebrating Cuban heritage, supporting over 50 of small businesses, artists, and performers while drawing more than 7,000 of attendees annually.
La Reina del Carnaval
Leadership and confidence-building platform empowering 13 young women and creatives to serve as cultural ambassadors.
Why Invest in Sweet Colada?
Demand is growing for authentic, community-driven gathering spaces
Expansion unlocks higher ticket size, longer visits, and new dayparts
Outdoor activation increases walk-in traffic and neighborhood visibility
Flexible capital accelerates brand growth for women and minority founders
What the Grant Funds
Menu expansion: recipes, ingredients, small equipment, photography
Outdoor activation: signage, seating upgrades, curb appeal
Marketing: pop-ups, collaborations, launch content
Outcomes (90–180 Days)
Increased daily foot traffic and average ticket
Added labor hours and job creation
Stronger street presence and perceived safety
New customer acquisition through pop-ups and partnerships
Expanded visibility for women- and minority-owned businesses
