Groundworks.

Planning Library · §12

Risk Assessment.

An honest accounting of what could go wrong — and how Groundworks is designed to mitigate each risk.

  • Insufficient foot traffic to sustain café

    High

    MitigationChoose a walkable location with existing traffic patterns (Seaside/Marina commercial corridors). Build community through events and social media before opening. CalFresh/EBT broadens customer base.

  • Unable to secure farm supply partners

    Medium

    MitigationCoke Farm and Esperanza exist as backup sourcing options. ALBA graduates are natural partners. The Salinas/Pajaro Valley has hundreds of farms within 30 miles.

  • Grant funding does not materialize

    Medium

    MitigationCafé and farm stand earned revenue are designed to cover core operations independent of grants. Grants fund education programming and food access work, not the operating baseline.

  • Founder burnout or health limitations

    Medium

    MitigationPhased staffing plan: cook hired from day one. Second hire within 12–18 months. Portfolio career model limits Groundworks to sustainable hours. Six-day launch schedule with protected admin day.

  • Move to Monterey is delayed or does not happen

    High (existential)

    MitigationIf the move does not happen, Groundworks does not launch. This is named explicitly. The two-phase go/no-go protects against over-investment before the move is confirmed. Phase A validation work has value regardless.

  • Commercial kitchen buildout exceeds budget

    Medium

    MitigationBudget range ($75K–$125K) accounts for variance. Option to lease a space with existing kitchen infrastructure. Phased equipment purchasing if needed.