Example milestone plan
An example plan for a bakery dream with a goal of $45,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$6,750 · 15%
Set the bake plan
Post a sample production schedule, kitchen measurements and equipment quotes matched to the planned bread and pastry range.
Milestone 2
$18,000 · 40%
Equip the bake room
Share oven and mixer invoices, installation photos and a walkthrough showing the completed dough preparation area.
Milestone 3
$13,500 · 30%
Complete trial bakes
Upload batch logs, photos of trial loaves and pastries, and notes on oven loading, cooling space and recipe adjustments.
Milestone 4
$6,750 · 15%
Stock the opening counter
Post ingredient and packaging receipts, display photos and the opening bake schedule with planned batch quantities.
- 01
Make every step provable
A milestone only works if a Backer can look at your proof and agree it is done. 'Buy equipment' is weak; 'equipment bought, receipt and photo posted' is strong.
- 02
Order by risk
Put the cheapest, fastest step first. Each proven milestone proves you deliver and encourages Backers to fund the next. Leave the biggest amount for the step where most of the work is already done.
- 03
Keep the amounts honest
Milestones must add up exactly to your goal. Price each step from real quotes, include tools and services, and split any step that is too big to prove in one go.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Oven capacity mismatch
An oven may handle fewer products than the proposed schedule assumes. Compare tray capacity during planning and fund trial bakes before committing to opening volumes.
- R2
Inconsistent dough batches
Dough timing can change with room conditions and batch size. Record trial temperatures and timings, then allow ingredients and staff time for repeat production tests.
- R3
Unsold fresh products
A broad opening range can leave too much unsold bread and pastry. Budget for smaller initial batches and use the final milestone to show a practical replenishment plan.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a bakery dream in Denver, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$45,000
- Kitchen preparation and fit-out$13,500 · 30%
- Ovens and dough equipment$18,000 · 40%
- Ingredients and packaging$6,750 · 15%
- Display and opening reserve$6,750 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $45,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$6,750
- You receive
- $38,250
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Questions and answers
What makes a trial bake useful proof for Backers?
Share batch sizes, timing notes and clear photos of finished products alongside the equipment used. Explain what changed between trials so Backers can see production progress rather than only styled product shots.
How many milestones should a bakery dream have?
Three to six works for most dreams. Fewer gives Backers little to review; more than seven makes each step feel small. The example plan on this page uses four.
Can I fund a bakery with a small product range?
A focused bread or pastry range can make the equipment plan easier to assess. Show how each product fits the oven schedule, and explain which additional products would require equipment outside this dream.
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