Following the establishment of the NSW Independent Brewers Action Plan and an Independent Brewers Working Group in 2020, NSW brewers are reaping benefits from grants and other government support.
Victorian breweries and other craft producers have until March 26, 2021, to apply for up to $15,000 in grants from the state government's "Small-scale and Craft Program" to develop their business operations.
The day after they were able to open for the first time since July, Victoria's brewers have received more good news by the state government. Those with producer's licenses are now eligible for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund.
The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) has welcomed some aspects of the Federal Government "recession-busting", jobs-focused budget, but many of the industry's request do not appear to have been addressed.
The Business Support Fund announced by the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on March 21 is now open for applications. Many small businesses within the local beer and hospo community will be eligible to apply.
Otways brewery Forrest has unveiled ambitious plans for the future. The brother and sister team behind the brewery have secured $1.49m in government funding and plan to create a large brewery and venue in a historic timber mill.
In an article on the business of beer, an expert raised the issue of government grants and how few breweries were taking advantage. Here, a specialist on cutting the cost of business explains just how easy it could be for brewers to cash in.