(ThyBlackMan.com) Starting a brewery business is not easy because it is a convoluted job overridden with twists, turns, delays, shortcomings, and surprises. Nevertheless, the good thing is that it is not impossible to start a brewery business amidst the challenges. If you have the passion, dedication, and resources, you can brew great beer and win the hearts of many people.
Below are various things you need for your brewery business.
Identify a location
The first thing you need for your brewery business is a physical location. Before you settle on a location, you have to consider the local laws affecting breweries, availability of land/space, your space needs, the type of brewery you want to plant, and construction needs. Ensure you get the right space for your brewery business that has space for growth. Conduct market research in the area you want to locate your brewery to ascertain its feasibility.
Brewery Equipment
Like any other business, you need equipment to kick-start your business. You require plastic buckets, siphons, barrels, bottles, and caps. An initial brewing system is approximately 7-15 barrels. Whether you settle on a new or used system, be ready to add capacity and infrastructure as the business grows. In addition, you require bottle fillers because you have to move beer multiple times in the beer making process. Bottle fillers allow you to move your beer from one location to another without taking much time, making a mess, and losing much beer. You can learn more here about bottle fillers and their features, prices, and reviews.
Obtain necessary Permits and Licenses
The brewing industry is highly regulated and has many laws and regulations for all brewing businesses to comply with. Your brewery business requires permits and licenses from the relevant local, state, and federal authorities. Failure to obtain necessary permits could result in hefty fines and business closure. Also, ensure you get insurance for your brewing business to safeguard against losses.
Establish Relationships with Vendors and the Community
Starting a brewing business and brewing great brew is not a one man’s show. It is the coordinated effort of many parties ranging from customers to suppliers, government officials, and the community. You need to create relationships with vendors and other experienced people in the brewery industry to grow. Customers play a fundamental role in business success; listen to them and meet their needs and expectations. Also, develop a good relationship with the community in which your brewery is located. Consider engaging in corporate social responsibility to give back to society.
Funding
Your brewery business requires funding to cater for its operational costs such as employees salaries, lease, and bills. Raising capital can be difficult for a startup. Do not rush to banks for financing because most of them do not finance startups. You can consider asking friends and family for help to finance your startup. Importantly, treat your accounting with much respect just as you do brewing.
Starting a brewery business is not easy and requires tons of dedication, capital, vision, and red-tape navigation. Drinking beer is a favorite pastime for many people and hence good beer will always have a market. If you have the patience and resources, a brewery business can be extremely rewarding and profitable.
Staff Writer; Terry Poole