Why License
The Places?
Because access matters.
And so does structure.
Licensing The Place isn’t about permission — it’s about power.
The power to operate with shared tools, values, and real solidarity.
To gain access to a living network, not just a logo.
What You Gain with a License:
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Access to The Places internal network — shared tools, mutual support, and full guidance for implementing The Better Coffee Standard.
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Better trade — fairer stocking conditions, pricing tools, and visibility. More clarity for sellers, more trust from buyers.
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Audits after 3 years — designed for mutual trust, not punishment. Available earlier by request or if concerns arise.
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Information exchange & trainings — join events, organize your own, and get help from others doing the same.
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Talent and labor sharing — support for all workers. Host educators, invite QC teams, exchange know-how across The Places.
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Marketing & visibility — we support The Places with stories, shared campaigns, and public features.
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Administrative support — legal and operational guidance from our core team. We call it “administration office,” but it’s much more.
Core Values of The Places
Egalitarianity
All The Places are equal — no hierarchy, no HQ. Decisions flow from mutual respect and subsidiarity.
Autonomy
Each The Place operates on its own terms — while honoring the shared Standard.
Sharing
Knowledge, tools, space, and labor are shared. Collaboration is the default.
Multidisciplinarity
We combine farming, roasting, education, science, trade — all in one living system.
Green License
For plantations, exporters, fermentation stations, and cooperatives.
Where coffee begins. This license is for Places working with cherry or parchment — before roasting. It helps apply The Better Coffee Standard during harvest and production, strengthen trade conditions, and connect with roasters who care.
Tier | Who is it for?* | Price (3y) | Split Option |
|---|---|---|---|
Solidarity | Smallholders, rural mills stations, low-scale exporters | €300 | €100/year |
Sustainable | Actors aligned with The Better Coffee values | €600 | €200/year |
Supporter | Commercial-scale orgs funding solidarity access | €990 | €330/year |
*This is just our suggestion — no pressure.
Need help with license costs? Just ask. We believe in access.
Apply via Pay-It-Forward
Roast License
For roasteries, cafés, bars, and shops.
Where coffee meets people. This license is for Places that roast, serve, or sell coffee. It helps implement The Better Coffee Standard, support transparent sourcing, and engage customers with clarity and care.
Tier | Who is it for?* | Price (3y) | Split Option |
|---|---|---|---|
Solidarity | Small cafés, nano-roasters, low-budget start-ups | €300 | €100/year |
Sustainable | Actors aligned with The Better Coffee values | €990 | €330/year |
Supporter | Multi-location, high-visibility businesses, manufacturers of coffee roasting and brewing equipment | €1800 | €600/year |
*This is just our suggestion — no pressure.
Need help with license costs? Just ask. We believe in access.
Apply via Pay-It-Forward
Educate License
For classrooms, training labs, e-learning platforms, education providers.
Where learning happens. This license is for The Places teaching about coffee. It enables use of The Better Coffee Curriculum, offers pedagogical guidance, and links educators through shared materials and values.
Tier | Who is it for?* | Price (3y) | Split Option |
|---|---|---|---|
Solidarity | Volunteer-run spaces or community initiatives | €150 | €50/year |
Sustainable | Actors aligned with The Better Coffee values | €600 | €200/year |
Supporter | High-end centers, funded institutions | €990 | €330/year |
*This is just our suggestion — no pressure.
Need help with license costs? Just ask. We believe in access.
Apply via Pay-It-Forward
Research License
For universities, labs, innovation hubs,
non-commercial R&D.
Where questions matter. This license is for institutions researching coffee systems and coffee itself. It enables access to internal materials, facilitates collaboration, and supports paradigm-shifting studies within and beyond The Places.
Tier | Who is it for?* | Price (3y) | Split Option |
|---|---|---|---|
Solidarity | For underfunded individual researchers | €30 | €10/year |
Sustainable | Actors aligned with The Better Coffee values | €300 | €100/year |
Supporter | For well-funded projects or institutions supporting others | €500 | €166/year |
*This is just our suggestion — no pressure.
Need help with license costs? Just ask. We believe in access.
Apply via Pay-It-Forward
The Places Licenses
Solidarity Tier
If you need support, please use the form
on the Pay-It-Forward page.
We believe access shouldn’t depend on your budget.