Enveritas: Non-profit exploring the Dominican Republic

Amy Yan

Updated on Apr 29, 2024

Enveritas is a nonprofit startup that helps lift small coffee growers out of poverty through sustainability certifications that are recognized by large roasting companies. They are trusted by leading brands including Blue Bottle, Philz, Peets, and Tim Hortons.

When faced with the challenge of organizing a company-wide retreat for their distributed team, Enveritas turned to Nowadays for planning and execution. The team has so much to think about in terms of social responsibility and delicious coffee, there’s no reason to have to deal with venue sourcing and negotiating rates as well.

Enveritas used Nowadays to search for a venue across dozens of cities that could accommodate their team's diverse needs. Ultimately, they chose Gran Ventana Beach Resort in Puerto Plata, leveraging Nowadays' expertise to secure the best rates, which our team negotiated to under $100/night.

Our team designed a five-day retreat for 100 employees, packed with immersive experiences and activities. From enlightening coffee farm tours to vibrant Merengue dance lessons and exhilarating paddle-boarding adventures, the itinerary fostered team bonding and cultural appreciation.

💡 Tip: Consider incorporating team-building activities that align with your organization's mission and values (e.g. coffee tasting for a coffee non-profit). This not only fosters camaraderie but also reinforces the purpose behind your work, creating a more meaningful retreat experience for everyone involved.

"It’s been nice to have Nowadays alleviating the stress of not having to think about it... you work your magic and come back with the best possible options. Just having the ease of it is the most beneficial part for me." — Ristine, Enveritas' Head of Finance

The collaboration with Nowadays enabled Enveritas to cultivate a meaningful retreat that strengthened team cohesion and fostered a sense of shared purpose. The resort exceeded expectations, with its impeccable facilities and hospitable staff leaving a lasting impression on the team.

💡 Tip: Check if the hotel has an existing entertainment program schedule that you can allow your members to attend. That way, you don’t need to necessarily spend more money on excursions for team bonding.

"Overall, it was a great experience...the hotel was very nice. The staff was very nice. We are really grateful for Nowadays’ help and the effort that goes into it, always appreciated that you ask for more discounts."

Since this retreat, Enveritas has gone on to plan more retreats through the Nowadays platform, including locations such as Frankfurt, Lisbon, Nairobi, and NYC.