If you've ever dreamed of opening a brewery, bakery, or restaurant you know by now that talent alone doesn't drive a successful business.
Funding, marketing, and a smart business plan are all as important as a great recipe for pie or ribs.
The best way to figure out a strategy is to find a mentor -- preferably for free.
The Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams, has been mentoring entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry since 2008, under their Brewing the American Dream program. The program, in partnership with Accion, has provided business advice to over 3,000 small business owners and $1.9 million in micro-financing to more than 220 companies.The program plans on offering over a dozen micro-loans to South Florida entrepreneurs in 2013.
Jim Koch, brewer and founder of Samuel Adams beer, feels that to be
successful, an entrepreneur must have more than just a good idea or a
sizable bank account, which is why this program blends mentorship with
micro-loans. "It's critical that funding go hand-in-hand with actionable
mentoring and coaching to help small businesses succeed after they
receive a loan, which is why we're expanding our speed coaching into
south Florida."
Brewing the American Dream is hosting a free
speed coaching event tonight, March 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the La Jolla Ballroom (301 Alcazar Avenue) in Coral Gables. The event is for current business
owners and people planning on starting a restaurant, bar, or food
service company.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and
talk one-on-one with industry professionals in 20-minute sessions
designed to address specific problems and concerns in topics ranging
from social media to marketing to finance.
Registration is still open for tonight's event through Eventbrite.
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