The foundation of your brewery starts here.

We combine targeted marketing strategies based on market research with detailed technical plans and financial modeling to produce fully integrated brewery business plans that have been used time and time again to successfully raise money from private equity firms, commercial banks, development banks and individual investors. Our collaborative approach quickly puts craft breweries on the path to success. Our business plans feature three core components:

Market Assessment

Our market review provides sufficient and appropriate evidence to act as the basis for growth estimates and potential sales volumes. We begin by capturing the context (national and local trends and dynamics, demographics, seasonality and per capita consumption) and regulatory and competitive environment surrounding the brewery, such as competitive analysis, tax structure and unique market characteristics. Further, the market review develops the brand strategy and looks at pricing, promotion and packaging strategies that account for the subtleties and idiosyncrasies of local market dynamics.

Technical Assessment

The technical assessment takes the types of beer to be produced, sales projections, and client vision into account to determine the critical technical requirements for the new business. We consider the brewery space and structural needs and utility requirements, projected production variables, annual production capacities, and the brewery equipment and technology necessary to meet the production, packaging and logistical needs. Our detailed report provides a comprehensive analysis of all the technical requirements for the brewery.

Financial Assessment

The financial assessment provides a detailed analysis of the feasibility of the proposed project. Our financial model is made up of sku-level volume projections and pricing, as well as the capital requirements and market and operating costs and technical assessments. The financial assessment also includes the proposed source and use of capital funds, and projected future earnings. We organize these into integrated financial statements – income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement. We also provide a host of additional breakout tables and key performance indicators, such as:

  • Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
  • EBITDA margins
  • Net present value of the project
  • Internal Rate of Return
  • Payback period

If you wish, the resulting comprehensive financial model can be maintained by First Key throughout the life of your brewery, allowing us to help you run “what if” scenerios as they arise, manage risk, make informed decisions and continue to inspire investor confidence.

Brewery Business Plan Benefits

Through the process of developing the business plan with you will:

  • Plot a Course
    • Think long term about the big picture, not just about starting a business but staying in business.
    • Having a game plan assists in keeping you motivated.
    • Make informed decisions.
  • Answer the Feasibility Question
    • Is your idea viable?
    • Is your business going to be profitable?
    • Will you require outside financing to start or operate this business?
    • What are your barriers to success?
  • Anticipate Problems
    • Gathering information for your plan will increase your knowledge of the industry thereby assisting you in making more informed decisions.
    • Your plan provides an organized way to conduct your investigation.
    • Your plan raises questions that will help inspire solutions before a crisis occurs.
    • It helps you to know what will be required of you as an entrepreneur.?
    • By identifying strengths and weaknesses, it reveals where you will need assistance.
  • Develop an Implementation Plan
    • Use the Business Plan as a guide to keep you focused and making progress during the business start-up phase.
  • Use Your Business Plan as a Selling Tool
    • Market your business opportunity to potential investors, employees and suppliers