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10 Steps to Start a Microbrewery in Florida

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Anyone who lives in Florida – South Florida in particular – will tell you about how popular microbreweries are. You would think that by now the market would be totally oversaturated, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The culture is still growing faster than ever. Everyone is looking for a new cool spot to hang out, and in areas where there are already brewing establishments, people are attracted to the ability to hop around between locations. This is a great draw during art and music events. If you can cultivate your own little micro community of breweries with their own individual atmospheres, it really just generates an appeal to the community and draws in more business. So this is your dream, but where do you start?

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Mixing Magic

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This requires a little more than your basic knowledge of beer. You should understand how to make it, and further more, you should experiment with different brew recipes to find your specialty and determine what you wish to sell. Most brewers opt to sell several types of custom beer — some light or pale varieties and some darker beers. If you don’t understand what this means, you definitely need to start educating yourself. Being a successful brewery is more than just liking beer.

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Do Your Research

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If you want to create a concept that hasn’t already been done, or if you want to create a fusion of your favorites, you must visit other brewpubs and microbreweries to see what works and what does not. It’s recommended to go into these visits with a good understanding of the industry by reading books, trade magazines and websites. When you go on your visits, prepare some questions to ask those that work there, and the owners if possible.

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Location, Location, Location

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Scout a location for your brewpub or microbrewery and determine which you want to open. An establishment that makes and sells beer is a microbrewery; a business that makes and sells beer along with food in a restaurant is considered a brewpub. The right location will accommodate your business needs by being; large enough for brewing equipment; in a high-traffic area; and in compliance with zoning regulations. Buying or leasing a location that was previously used as a brewpub or microbrewery can help, because the building may include some equipment and be set up for kitchen and dining areas.

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Put Your Plan Together

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Develop a business plan and do a feasibility analysis. Include information about your proposed business, such as business location; the types of beer you plan to sell, including ingredient specifications and suppliers; the volume of business you anticipate; and a marketing plan. The plan should include specifics about how much beer you plan to produce and sell and what level of sales will make the business profitable. Outline whether you plan to sell food and what the menu will include. The business plan must also explain how you plan to fund the business. The feasibility analysis will help you determine how solid and financially sound your business idea is.

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Financial Planning

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Opening a brewpub or microbrewery can cost as much as $25,000 to start up, at the time of publication, plus an additional investment if revenue does not meet initial goals. If you have the dream and decent credit, Small Business Loans and No Doc Loans are available to you. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need and the resources available to make your dream a reality. Give us a call – we have the education and the perspective to help you obtain the loans you need for your small business. Visit our website or give us a call to find out what financial backing is available to make your business soar!

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Hop on Those Ingredients & Equipment

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Buy beer-making equipment and ingredients. You will need brew kettles and tanks as well as other supplies — boilers, refrigeration, and filtration equipment — to make the beer. Develop a relationship with vendors who will supply ingredients — such as barley, hops, yeast and flavorings — and materials for your business. Also plan to buy items for your location, from tables and chairs to decor and dishware to glasses for your brew.

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You Definitely Need a Business License

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Apply for a business license, insurance and any applicable alcohol-beverage-control licenses, which vary by state.

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People Make the Business Successful

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Hire a good team to support and run the business. You will need someone to handle business finances, a lawyer to oversee contracts and help with licensing, an accountant to handle taxes and staff to keep the brewpub or microbrewery running. MrGoodbeer.com recommends working as a bartender before opening your brewpub or microbrewery or hiring bartenders to get a feel for the business operation and clientele. If you plan to serve food, hire a professional cook or chef.

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Spread the Word

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Market your business. The best way to get people to try your brew is to get the word out about it. You may have to sell your product under cost initially with promotions such as “Happy Hour” specials that include discounted beer. Watch your sales and keep the most-bought ales in supply — customers often choose beers that taste similar to mainstream brands. Having a product that people want and good customer service will bring customers back.

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Florida, the Time is NOW

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With the opportunities for small businesses booming, why wait another moment. What is keeping you down? Financial restraints have been a complaint for many of the dreamers, limiting themselves to their immediate funds. There is an alternative. If you have the dreams and decent credit, Small Business Loans and No Doc Loans are available to you. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need and the resources available to make your dream a reality. Give us a call – we have the education and the perspective to help you obtain the loans you need for your small business. Visit our website or give us a call to find out what financial backing is available to make your business soar!

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Unsecured Finances has over 10 years in the consulting business! We specialized in educating and assisting clients on acquiring Unsecured Business Loans and Start-Up Business Specialty Loans including; Unsecured No Documentation (No-Doc Stated Income) Loans, Unsecured Business Loans, and Unsecured Start-Up Business Loans and Lines of Credit from $10,000 to $500,000 without Assets.

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Apply on our website to find out if you qualify, or call today for a free consultation: 1-888-294-2584

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