The Concept:

An idea for a shop in downtown Philadelphia can become reality from support from like-minded consumers, shop-keepers and fans of small business.

Can a great idea come to fruition based solely on the support of the people and not the banks or corporations?

We ask your help in making our dream come alive.

Donations have slowed to almost nothing. I am exploring other possibilities for using this webpage to raise funds for my idea. We thank everyone that has contributed from the bottom of our hearts. It would be downright amazing if our dream came true based solely on the help of the online community. If not by donation, I'll figure out another way to raise the money, however slowly.

In a few months we will make a decision on throwing in the towel and donating the small amount we managed to raise to a charity.

Why are we doing this? We have a dream to open a store in downtown Philadelphia that sells used and new books, coffee, used cds and records and prints and writings from local artists and authors.

What we hope to accomplish? We would absolutely love to prove that someone with a solid business idea and little financial assets can open a small business without the involvement of lenders, credit companies and banks. Small businesses are often ruined before the open from all the debt they incur.

How would it work? The idea is that anyone that would enjoy a store like this would donate the price of a cup of coffee or two. A little bit from a lot of people would provide ample capital to get this business swinging. We want to offer inexpensive items and free internet stations, so it just might be a worthy investment. If we don't raise what we need, not to worry: your money will be given to charity.

What we will offer immediately:

* Freshly brewed coffee and specialty coffees at a modest price.

* Inexpensive new and used books with ample selection of literature, poltics, art and philosophy.

* Used CDs and records

* Work by local artists including music, writings and art prints

* Services to sell certain goods on e-bay by a certified e-bay retailer

Long term goals:

* Publishing and distributing original work by local authors.