12.11.26 | 5 min

Three People, Three Visions, Three Startups, Part 3: From Stage Dancer to Café Owner

For years, Noah Wili performed on stage as a dancer. However, he had long harbored a desire to start his own business serving good coffee. Without hesitation, he seized the opportunity and made the switch from the arts to the restaurant industry—with support from Lucerne Business.

What does SiP offer?

At SiP, it’s all about exceptional specialty coffee and a truly great all-day brunch. We’ve created a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself, from your first espresso in the morning to a leisurely afternoon brunch.

How did you come up with the idea of starting your own business?

For years, I was in the spotlight as a professional stage dancer—a career with a very limited shelf life. My passion for coffee and the food service industry has always been there, and when theaters shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, I seized the opportunity and simply decided to pursue my dream of starting my own business sooner rather than later.

Were there any obstacles along the way to founding the business? What was the decisive factor that ultimately paved the way?

The transition from the art world to the business world was intense, especially when it came to bureaucracy and numbers. In the end, what made the difference was the perfect combination of perseverance, the right gut feeling, and the courage to take that step.

How did you find out about the microloan program offered by Lucerne Business?

The tip came directly from the local scene: Patrick Lüthold from “Kaffeekranz” in Lucerne brought it to my attention.

What was the microloan’s decisive impetus?

It was the final piece of the puzzle for expanding our first location at the Weinmarkt and purchasing our crown jewel—a La Marzocco Classic S portafilter machine. This boost allowed us to get started from day one without compromising on quality.

What’s the current status of SiP?

We’re still going full steam ahead! In January 2026, we opened our second location on Zürichstrasse. In June 2026, we celebrated our second anniversary.

How did you feel supported by Lucerne Business? 

Really well. The collaboration was friendly, extremely solution-oriented, and always on a completely equal footing.

What are your next goals?

We’re bringing the SiP vibes to the streets! Next up is a mobile coffee and event setup that will allow us to provide services for catering and events.

What achievements are you particularly proud of, whether big or small?

Of course, I’m incredibly happy about our company’s growth. But the best feeling is having a great team on board as an employer today and offering people a workplace where they enjoy being.