…At least for me, anyway.
Yesterday in the shower, I began to really question WHY I’m trying to open up a brewery and came to a few conclusions.
I’m not doing this to become rich.
I’ve never been motivated by money. Yes, I like money, and I’m not saying I don’t want it. I’m just saying that as long as I can pay my mortgage, my monthly bills, and save a little each month, I’ll be fine. The goal is to be doing what I want to do in life, in a job that I’m constantly learning from and challenged by. I don’t want to have to answer to someone above me, and I don’t want to toil away making money for those who don’t really need any more money in the first place. I want to brew beer that I’m proud of and that I can share with the public.
I want my company to give back to the community.
My beer is all about Chicago and each beer is dedicated to a piece of Chicago’s rich cultural history. When people read the labels of my beer, I want them to learn something about the city that they didn’t previously know. I would also like to donate profits to various Chicago charities and organizations that strive to educate and enlighten people about Chicago’s history as well as help strengthen its future.
The two conclusions above made me ask myself: Would it be possible for me to start a NON-PROFIT beer company?
So, I started to do some preliminary research to see whether or not it was even feasible, and came across a company that is doing just that! Finnegan’s in Minnesota is a non-profit beer company. Needless to say, I’m very excited at the prospect of doing something similar.
This week I’ll contacting the founder of Finnegan’s to ask her some questions as well as doing some more research into the feasibility/legality of this idea.
Question for you:
What do you think about this idea?
[CLARIFICATION: If all else was equal and the beer was tasty and delicious...]
Would you, as a beer drinker, be more/less inclined to purchase a craft beer whose profits went directly back to the community?
tx_brewer
January 3, 2010 at 13:57
How do you operate a non profit brewery and still pay bills, save money each month and pay employees or expand later in the future? You want to be able to grow your business. I don’t know if non profit would allow you to do what you need to In the future.
Good luck whatever you decide and will be watching your Twitter updates on your progress opening your brewery. :)
T.
robeystblog
January 3, 2010 at 14:12
Non-profits can still pay their employees salary and use the money they make to expand their business. The distinction is that the shareholders or individual stakeholders will not personally get the profit or surplus earnings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-profit_organization
todd parker
January 3, 2010 at 14:40
A lot of breweries end up being not for profit unintentionally. Many just eke out a living at status quo. Make sure you realize that brewers do not make much money, with only a few that I know having mortgages and usu those also having working spouses.
Regarding giving back to the communitu, don’t worry every charity that can will hit you up for freebies.
Ettore
January 3, 2010 at 14:44
I think that’s is a really good idea…i dont know how it works in the U.S. the No profit company,but it’s awesome have someone like you in the city,you can embrace two things you love,and at the same time give back to the comunity,it’s a so noble initiative,hope you can do that!Good Luck!
Ettore
robeystblog
January 3, 2010 at 14:52
Well, I’m well aware that most micro-breweries are not big money makers. That is why I said money is not THE THING I’m after.
If I’m going to be running a business that isn’t a huge money maker to begin with, why not go the non-profit route and give back what little profits I do make. There are tax benefits, etc. which also make the idea of running a non-profit very interesting. If the way I can get people to support the community is by having them buy and drink great beer, even better!
Billy Broas
January 3, 2010 at 14:56
Yes, all else equal, I’d be more inclined to purchase from a brewery whose profits went back into the community. Although I may not be the typical customer.
I think it’s all about how you tell your story. If you tell a story that really resonates with people and is supported by a cause that they care about, then it will be successful. Unless you have a huge marketing budget, you’ll have to use some smart advertising to get your message across (especially outside your local market). Otherwise how will I know your message when comparing your beer to the others on the shelf?
It seems like an idea worth further research and market testing. We’ve seen the “Organic Beer” niche take hold and people may latch onto this too. Keep us posted, I know you will :>)
Craft Beer
January 4, 2010 at 09:35
Life is too short for bad beer. :-)
robeystblog
January 4, 2010 at 09:39
Amen to that!
ChicagoElevated
January 4, 2010 at 12:37
That’s a really interesting idea – therefore, I like it! I agree with Billy in how that its about how you tell your story. But you know people want to be more local, want to purchase from individuals and not corporations. I think its a really fascinating idea. Also, I’m putting your blog on my blogroll right now, because this is great.
Claude
January 4, 2010 at 21:35
You will always surprise me.. :-) Instead of a Non-Profit company, why not a Profit-Sharing company ? On a business stand point, isn’t it smart to save few bucks for equipment purchasing, maintenance, retirement saving plan etc..? Keep in mind that you have to stay open to make donation as well.. What you think?
Scott-TheBrewClub
January 8, 2010 at 10:13
Very interesting concept! I already try to support the local NJ breweries with my beer purchases, but I would definitely buy and try beer that was giving something back to the community as well.
In a way, local breweries already do by providing jobs and tax revenue – but the charity angle is new I think.