Due to a chronic lack of working capital, small coffee farms often experience a cash shortage before the next harvest. As a result, these farmers often sell out their crops at low prices.

To help break this cycle, Starbucks has instituted several initiatives to provide farmers access to affordable credit. For example, in fiscal 2002, through a loan guarantee, Starbucks helped make $500,000 (U.S.) available through Ecologic Enterprise Ventures, a nonprofit organization, and Conservation International.