Since winning the bursary in January, Verhoest flew through the first heat at the London coffee festival before being crowned UK champion at the Glasgow coffee festival in May.
Verhoest said: “The cost of competitions can often be incredibly expensive. Having the BTB bursary has given me such peace of mind and has ensured I can concentrate fully on my performance without having to worry about the financial implications.”
The financial support of the bursary is intended to ease some of the more laborious pressures of the competition, freeing baristas up to concentrate on the important part, the coffee.
The costs that competing in championships can bring, often mean that talented baristas are in danger of being excluded, which is why he BTB Barista Bursary was created.
The aim is to find the best budding barista talent who will benefit most from the support.
So far, BTB has supported Verhoest with over £6,000 to cover the costs that come with competing as well as kit from the BTB gear range and training sessions with an expert of her choice.
Following on from the success of this year, BTB will be offering their Barista Bursary again for 2019. The same rules that applied for 2018 will apply for 2019 and cover The Barista Championship, Brewers Cup, Coffee in Good Spirits, Latte Art, Cup Tasters and the Coffee Roasting championship.
To apply, send a short video (3 minutes or less) explaining why you should be picked as the BTB Barista.
The deadline for entries in 31 January and shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews early next year.
Further information can be found at: www.beyondthebean.com/baristabursary