Dialogue Coffee HouseWhen she heard about the Top Tank competition, Caitlyn jumped at the chance to pitch her idea to local business leaders.

WHO
Caitlyn Halsey

THE PITCH
Dialogue Coffee House hopes to create a space
where people of all abilities can be part
of the conversation.

Caitlyn came up with the idea for Dialogue Coffee House two years ago. She wanted to own a business where all employees and patrons could feel included and appreciated regardless of their physical or emotional abilities. However, it takes more than a good idea to take a business from concept to reality.

When she heard about the Top Tank competition, Caitlyn jumped at the chance to pitch her idea to local business leaders. Participating in Top Tank helped her fine tune her business plan and connected her with valuable business planning and financial resources.

“I don’t have a lot of business experience, so being able to meet with business experts in the community and have them validate my idea was priceless,” Caitlyn said.

Under the guidance of the Top Tank investors, Caitlyn expanded her menu offerings and streamlined proposed operations. She worked with the Washburn Small Business Development Center to do a feasibility study and outline the marketing strategy. She also learned about grants and incentives available through GO Topeka, so even though she did not win Top Tank, she was able to move forward with making her dream come true. Dialogue Coffee House opened for business at 4009 SW 29th St. last April.

“It has been mind blowing to watch this go from a simple idea to a growing and thriving business,” Caitlyn said.

Dialogue Coffee House employs people of all abilities. By hiring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Caitlyn hopes the community can come and see that everyone is capable, and everyone has a purpose in life.

“The Topeka community has been incredibly supportive of us since we opened,” Caitlyn said. “Other businesses have embraced us. I can’t wait to see how we grow.”