Getting a Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Brew

 The more I think about a Meadery (a place to brew and sell honey wine/beer) the more reasonable the idea appears.  It is a way of processing raw product in-country, that would provide jobs and stability of income for beekeepers. It is a traditional drink, and creating a high-quality, cheerful, low-alcohol, somewhat nutritious drink is fun and convivial. We could follow these men and learn if they experience greater well-being? How is it expressed?  Is there a decrease in violence? 

But the gaps in my knowledge and experience about how to run a meadery are huge! So I started looking around for a way to fill those gaps especially those gaps around conducting a business. Not only do I need knowledge, but I need enough knowledge to earn a credential! Who’s to believe I can do this if I don’t learn how!?

Searching for a way to fill my knowledge gaps I began to search on-line. I thought I found such a program at a university on the west coast of the USA. I went to their website. The support agent on Chat, promptly sent a message:  “Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person components of this program have either been paused, rescheduled, or moved into a virtual format until further notice.” And was given an email address to which nobody has answered my query so far.

I continued looking and found that the University of Vermont is offering a Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer.


University of Vermont program building on experience

They are building on experiences of Vermont becoming a microbrewery hotspot from 0 in 1987 – to having the highest per capita number of microbreweries of any state in the USA. For every 10,000 citizens there is a brewery, most of them local. In 2019 there were 56 operating production breweries and brewpubs operating in Vermont. From my house I can walk or bike to at least seven, including one cidery. For a map: https://www.vermontbrewers.com/breweries/

These breweries are run with about 2,200 full time employees. Now as the craft-movement is beginning to mature, many of them are seeking professional development opportunities and skills to help them grow their business. The University has stepped into the gap with courses such as:

       Start-up Brewery: Determining Your Business Structure

       Start-up Brewery: Financing Your Dream

       Business Operations in Craft Beer

       Digital Marketing and Social Media Promotion in Craft Beer

       Distribution and Sales in Craft Beer

       Marketing and Branding Your Brewery

When I saw that line up I recognized those courses as the ones I need. However, they appeared focused towards beer-making.  I wondered if it would be suitable for my needs which are to be build and run a meadery. 

I spoke with the Director of the program , and we reviewed each course. There were a few differences, but basically it is all craft brew. I was so happy when my application was accepted!

I’ve started!

https://learn.uvm.edu/program/business-of-craft-beer/                       https://learn.uvm.edu/ 
#UVMRep #sponsored

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