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Siebel Institure of Technology: Start Your Own Brewery Course
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Rick Wehner

Considerations for Financing Your Brewery

Starting a new business, especially one that is as capital intensive as a brewery, can be an exhilarating yet stressful endeavor. The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” certainly comes to mind. However, every successful brewery owner has been in this same position before and there are a lot of people and resources out there to help ease some of the anxiety. With proper planning, you can eliminate a lot of the time-sucking and money-wasting pitfalls that have discouraged many before you.


Unless you are one of the lucky few that can bankroll an entire startup operation on your own, you’ll need to research some funding options for your operation and it is important to remember that all options may not be right for you and, depending on your credit, assets, experience, etc…not all options will be available to you. However, brewery owners have proven to me to be the most creative business owners out there and have proven time and again that “where there is a will, there is a way”.


Most breweries get funded through one or several of the following ways:

  • Bank Debt: Traditional loan, SBA loan, etc..

  • Real Estate Debt (using your equity)

  • Equipment Lease/Finance: True Lease, Capital Lease, Equipment Finance Agreement

  • Public Options: Economic Development Funds, Municipal Incentives

  • Private Subordinated Debt: Friends, family, private investors, etc..

  • Equity: Selling shares in the brewery

  • Out of the box: Bootstrapping, crowdfunding, P2P Lenders, brewery incubators, borrowing from self (401k, life insurance policy, etc….and while I’d be uncomfortable with it myself, I’ve even seen breweries successfully use the “max out all of your credit cards” method to get open).
     

In order to get funded, you’ll need to do some work prior to applying for credit, loans, or hitting up investors. This will include:

  • Write a business plan complete with capitalization needs and projections

  • Register your business with the Secretary of State and get your Federal Tax ID Number (most states make this process very easy, but be sure to research your name thoroughly. Lawsuits disputing trademarks, etc…can be costly in time, money, frustration, etc

  • Gather your personal financial records and keep them organized. You (and any partners with 15-20% or more ownership), will need to gather:

    • Last two complete personal tax returns (not just the first few pages)

    • Signed and dated Personal Financial Statement (these are widely available online). Be prepared to offer evidence of anything you claim on you PFS. If you are claiming you have a $250,000 in an IRA, be ready to show the most recent statements proving this.

    • Last three months of personal bank statements

As you are working on your business plan and gathering personal financial records, etc…keep in mind that most lenders will require the personal guaranty of any owner that has 15-20% or greater of the business and I would advise that you and your partner(s) have a frank conversation about your individual financial situations and personal credit before you get too far along.


Getting funded as a startup is tough enough. Getting funded when one or more partners doesn’t have a good track record of paying back debt is asking a lot of any lender and those that are willing to finance you will likely be charging you a premium on top of the already higher startup rates.


Your lender will also need to know about what the financing will be used for. This should be covered in your business plan, but you’ll also want to provide your lender with equipment quotes from your vendor(s).


Lastly, in classic “chicken or egg” fashion, most lenders will require that you have a signed landlord lease agreement (or proof you own the location) prior to funding your project. Naturally, you’ll likely be reluctant to sign a lease prior to knowing that you are approved for funding so this will be a bit of a juggling act. However, most lenders will approve your financing “subject to” review of your signed lease agreement, so there are ways to make it work.

Dogwood State Bank: SBL Craft Brewery
Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream
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Contributing Author

Rick Wehner                                                  Founder, Brewery Finance

Rick Wehner founded Brewery Finance in 2005 and has since provided nearly 1500 startup and established brewers with vital equipment funding to help them launch, grow and flourish.

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TIPS for your Business' Next Build

Jason Sleeman

As you probably know, construction is currently expensive and slow (August 2022). We’ve seen recent projects double in cost from initial plans. Timeframes for getting architecture drawings and GC contracts have been up to 90-120 days. Right now, if you’re looking to complete a construction project, I’d recommend a timeframe of 6-12 months, depending on the scope of your project. There could be some good news on the horizon. Construction spending fell .8% in May—the first drop since September of 2021. Lumber prices have also fallen over 50% from their January peak, bringing the price per thousand feet 

Piggy Bank Saving

In Need of Financing for Your Business:

Consider an SBA Loan

Scott Birkner

Personal liquidity, investor raised capital, commercial bank financing – there are several options when starting or expanding your brewery or distillery, and you may find yourself overwhelmed with choices. While all of these options can help you obtain the necessary capital to achieve your goals, you may find that not all will be available to you in your personal situation. Instead of allowing financing to be an obstacle between you and your dreams, consider an SBA loan.

Cash, Hops & Malt

Advice About Applying for Financing

Rick Wehner

Congratulations on getting through the Planning stage of your brewery! Now, all you have left to do is….everything? It probably feels like it, but you’ve built a nice foundation by putting together a well-thought through and realistic business plan, researched your finance options and figured out what finance options are likely a good fit for your specific needs. Now it is time to take action!

To apply for financing, especially as a startup, you’ll need to provide your lender with:

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Don't Let COVID-19 Stop Your Dreams

Jason Sleeman

The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our economy in unimaginable ways. Thousands of businesses have struggled to remain open, unemployment has skyrocketed and consumer habits have changed significantly. Disruption in the market has caused many businesses to suffer, however there is a silver lining for others.

While foot traffic to taprooms and brewpubs has taken a tremendous hit this year, COVID-19 hasn’t had a 

PLAN

  • Learn about funding options

  • Understand credit criteria

  • Include projections and capitalization in business plan

  • Review personal guarantees with partners

  • Gather financial records

  • Collect equipment quotes

ACT

  • Open bank account

  • Apply for financing

    • Application

    • Business Plan/History

    • P/L Projections – 3 yrs

    • Resume(s)

    • Personal Financial Stmts

    • Personal Tax Rtns – 3 yrs

    • Credit Check Auth

    • Lease Agreement (or)

    • Real Estate Agreement

    • Business Acquisition

    • Construction Estimates

    • Equipment Quotes

  • Sign financing docs

  • Fund your equipment

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GrOW

 

  • Keep financial records

  • Maintain relationship with finance ppl

  • Understand improved funding options

  • Collect equipment quotes

  • Apply/secure financing

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