Are you an aspiring craft beer brewer looking to join a crowded beer industry? Look no further! Thanks to crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and CrowdBrewed, now it's easier than ever to get the money and the marketing you need to kick your brewery off the ground and make your mark in the beer industry.
The craft beer industry has skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade. Brewers of all sizes and specialties have become global household names, and at the same time, millions of people are partaking in what the industry calls “craft beer culture.” But with this come challenges that breweries must face in order to remain profitable and competitive, specifically in the area of raising funds.
In order to stay afloat in an ever-expanding and increasingly crowded market, craft breweries are now turning to crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and CrowdBrewed to raise the funds needed to expand their businesses. This has become a common practice in the craft brewing industry, and is seen as a viable way to launch new brews, gain exposure and purchase additional brewing equipment.
For people unfamiliar with the process, crowdfunding sites allow companies or individuals to raise money from the general public, typically through donation campaigns or when backers pre-purchase a product before it is in production. It's an effective way to fundraise for companies, including breweries, to help them offset costs and get products to the market faster.
Breweries rely heavily on donations from public or private sources such as investment banks in order to stay afloat and remain competitive. Private investors typically provide financing in the form of loans, while pubic donations usually come through crowdfunding sites. The benefit of crowdfunding as compared to traditional financing options is that it provides breweries with quick and easy access to capital, and allows them to get their ideas off the ground more quickly.
Additionally, crowdfunding gives brewers the opportunity to increase their brand recognition. Raising money through a crowdfunding campaign can attract more supporters and raise awareness about the brewery, allowing them to reach a greater audience and build buzz around their product or brand. This, in turn, can help breweries to increase their sales and become more established in their industry.
While crowdfunding can be a valuable source of capital for breweries, it also carries a certain amount of risk. The most significant risk associated with crowdfunding is that breweries may not be able to reach their funding goal, leaving them without the money they need to complete their project. It’s important for brewers to be fully aware of the potential risks involved with crowdfunding before launching a campaign.
CrowdBrewed, specifically, is an online platform specifically designed for craft breweries that provides unique advantages to those seeking to launch a crowdfunding campaign. It helps breweries to effectively advertise their projects and find potential supporters for their products. Through the site, brewers gain access to a larger network of craft beer enthusiasts, and gain access to a powerful marketing platform that will help them to spread their message and reach more drinkers.
CrowdBrewed also offers a unique “Tips” feature, wherein backers can donate money to support a brewery project even if they don’t have the funds to purchase a product. This is a great way for brewers to reach their target audience, and to encourage supporters to donate funds even if they’re unable to purchase an actual product.
Now that the potential risks and rewards of crowdfunding have been discussed, let's take a look at how craft breweries can take full advantage of crowdfunding sites. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of crowdfunding:
In conclusion, crowdfunding sites have become a popular option for craft brewers seeking to raise capital and gain exposure.