Samuel Adams Enlists Drinkers to Help Support Small Businesses Through National Raise a Pint, Brew a Dream Program

BOSTON, May 1, 2014 Samuel Adams today announced the kick-off to "Raise a Pint, Brew a Dream," a month-long program where drinkers across the country can support small businesses by simply enjoying a Samuel Adams Boston Lager. As part of the initiative, throughout the month of May Samuel Adams will donate five cents to the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream loan fund at Accion for every Samuel Adams Boston Lager draft sold at participating bars and restaurants across the country.*

Inspired by Samuel Adams founder and brewer Jim Koch‘s own experience starting a small business, Brewing the American Dream provides micro-lending and coaching to food, beverage, craft brewing, and hospitality small business owners. Since launching in 2008, the program has provided nearly $3 million in microloans to more than 320 small businesses, and advised more than 4,000 entrepreneurs nationwide through signature Speed Coaching events, which provide personalized coaching and mentoring.

"This is our second year offering  ‘Raise a Pint, Brew a Dream’ to our drinkers as a way to join us in supporting small businesses across the country," said Jim Koch. "The business owners we’re helping through this initiative are really the backbone of the American economy, but many still need better access to capital to help their businesses grow, succeed, and create jobs."

The Face of Small Business

At participating "Raise a Pint, Brew a Dream" restaurants and bars, drinkers will also have the opportunity to learn more about some of the small business owners in the Brewing the American Dream program who will be featured on promotional materials. Additionally, by scanning QR codes on posters, table tents, and coasters, consumers can share their support of small businesses on Facebook, and also be entered to win a "Raise a Pint Prize Pack."  One winner will be chosen each day in May throughout the promotion.

An example of one of the Brewing the American Dream program recipients being featured is Cruz Caudillo, owner of Praline Patisserie in San Diego, who was working in the hospitality industry for several years when he decided to pursue a dream of running his own business. He fused a passion for science, art and food to create Praline Patisserie, and began selling unique caramel sauces at local farmers’ markets. An able businessman with quality products, Caudillo soon needed additional capital to keep up with demand and get the attention of larger retailers. After turning to Brewing the American Dream, he was able to secure a loan to purchase supplies and increase inventory, and is now successfully selling products nationwide, including at Whole Foods.

To support other small business owners like Caudillo, a list of participating bars and restaurants participating in "Raise a Pint, Brew a Dream"’ can be found online at: http://www.samueladams.com/raise-a-pint.

*Maximum donation, $250,000. Valid only at participating locations displaying this offer.

Samuel Adams, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream are registered trademarks of The Boston Beer Company.
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