Room to grow: Grand Rapids to host craft beverage workshop

The Craft Beverage Education Association will bring its one-day educational workshop targeting individuals interested in learning more about the craft beverage industry to the Grand Rapids Doubletree Airport on February 12.

Craig B. Rashkis, program chair, says the workshop is geared towards helping both new craft beverage business owners and entrepreneurs considering entering the market to navigate the complexities of industry.
 
"This is a highly regulated industry,” he says. “Many startup issues are the same in every business, but this industry introduces a whole slew of issues that are unique to the craft beverage industry."  

Rashkis says the material covered in the workshop is applicable  for anyone considering — or in the early stages of establishing — their own craft beverage business. 

It is full-day, hands-on workshop with discussions focusing on the entire craft beverage industry.
 
"We are not focused on one area, instead we are covering issues for breweries, wineries, distilleries, meaderies, and cideries,” Rashkis says, noting that someone can have a great recipe and is highly skilled in making their product, but they lack the business acumen or experience to turn their interest into a successful business.
 
"You know how to make the product, but what about everything else?” he asks. “Once you are running a business, you realize you need to start thinking like a business person."

Speakers include representatives from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, distributors and producers who have recently begun operations in Michigan, and groups focused on legal and insurance issues.

The Craft Beverage Education Association (CBEA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping its members from the wine, beer, spirits, cider and mead industries navigate the business of craft and artisanal beverage productionRegistration and programming information are located at www.craftbeverage.org/workshops. 

This will be second time this workshop has been held in the country. The Grand Rapids workshop is supported by Experience Grand Rapids, Promote Michigan, PR Pirates, and members of the Michigan Brewers Guild, Michigan Wine Council, Michigan Craft Distillers Association and Michigan Cider Association. 

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor