PLAN
PLANNING is the first phase of any brewery start up or expansion, and this area of the StartABrewery site is designed to provide awareness of the myriad of tasks to consider during the planning phase. The PLAN period includes all of the research and preparation to define the project up until your first significant financial commitment. Keep in mind that not all brewery concepts are created equal; some of these tasks may simply not apply to your start up business. However, it is also true that you often don’t know what you don’t know! Below is a list of distinct Categories within all brewery start up projects, each with a task list of action items to be completed while working through the PLAN phase. Each Category list will also link you to its Category page for further information to assist you on your journey, including educational materials and the task lists for that Category across the entire project. All information is provided by our knowledgeable contributors who are leaders in their area of specialty and respected in the craft beer industry.
• Learn about funding options • Understand credit criteria • Gather financial records • Collect equipment quotes
• Include projections and capitalization in business plan • Review personal guarantees with partners
• Brand discovery research • Competitor research • Identify target audience • Understand creative presence
• Establish scope of work vs. cost • Consider deliverable dates • Review Graphic Designers
• Financial projections • Layout design • Equipment sizing • Location considerations • Assemble proforma
• Create Business Plan content
• Research State distribution requirements • Review State franchise laws
• Understand requisite quality & consistency • Consider self-distribution
• Brewing and Business Education • Brewery Staff Education • Professional Groups • Recommended Reading
• State Guild Information
• Vision to define culture • Unemployment insurance • Networking & recruiting
• Understand contractors vs. employees • Understand volunteers vs. employees
• Tell your story • Curate a media list • Write a boilerplate • Create an electronic press kit template
• Identify niche advertising platforms/publications
• Research service models • Consider curbside/to-go • Determine staff tipping model • Consider online sales
• Determine data needed from POS (consult with Accountant) • Contactless payment options?
• Research POS options that fit
• Refer to branding • Understand web presence • Evaluate cost vs. complexity • Consider deliverable dates
• Review web designers • Write a content calendar