Workers Comp for Volunteers

[Chadsalstrom]

I am looking to start a Coffee Shop that is run off of volunteer workers (apart from a general manager who is paid by a church) in order to send all of the profits oversees to rescue and recover girls out of sex trafficking. Here is my question: What is the best way to set up the business and insurance coverage to accomplish this goal? What type of workers comp is needed for volunteers in CA? Can we just do an accident policy in CA? Is it better to run the business as a non-profit with suggested donation pricing? Would that affect the insurance needs? I obviously want to protect the volunteers, and the business and be as cost effective as possible.

Thanks for any advice

[1171]

since you will have employees an accident policy is not sufficient. you will need a work comp policy. in order to cover volunteers you will need to keep a roster. pricing is best secured by contacting local insurance broker who can provide quotes.
as far as a business model you might want to discuss it with some similar retail operations like vincent depaul, american cancer society, or contact the business school at a local college for resources, advice etc.