Brewery Research for Economic Welfare and Sustainability (BREWS) Lab
The BREWS Lab is designed with the career brewer or brewery owner/manager in mind, not just a head brewer or assistant brewer, and it strives to focus on business tactics and strategies for economic welfare and sustainability while supporting the technical brewing aspects. As the craft brewing industry matures and adapts, operating with a business mind has become even more important.
Therefore, the BREWS Lab utilizes academic research projects, educational initiatives, and community partnerships to promote the business aspects of the craft brewing and related craft beverage industries.
At this time, the BREWS Lab is looking for a formal university home, but it will be run out of and promoted by this website in the meantime.
Collaboration with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
In collaboration with UCCS’ College of Business Academy, the BREWS Lab is creating three new professional courses for the craft brewing industry. These courses are designed to be self-paced, asynchronous, and strictly focused on businesses operating in the craft beverage industry. A full certificate program is planned after the launch of the initial courses and the launch of the platform.
Accounting in the Brewing Industry
Earners of the Accounting in the Brewing Industry badge have an intermediate understanding of accounting, finance, and business principles that can immediately be applied as an employee of a craft beverage business. They have learned and have demonstrated proficiency in the content provided that focuses on intermediate accounting skills, finance avenues, understanding tax writeoffs, and understanding the value of inventory management. These candidates are able to converse in an educated manner as a business leader within the business and communicate effectively with those that are handling the financial aspects of thebusiness.
Bar & Beverage Operations
Earners of the Bar and Beverage Operations badge have an intermediate understanding of how to operate a craft beverage business' taproom to effectively and efficiently promote growth for the business and its brand. They have learned and have demonstrated proficiency in the content provided that focuses on gathering data for data-driven decisions, business strategies, operational efficiencies, and taproom equipment amongst other topics. These candidates are able to create reports, present data for sound reasoning on decisions, and solve issues in the taproom in a way that creates positive impacts inside and outside the taproom itself.
Hospitality Management & Leadership
Earners of the Hospitality Management & Leadership badge have an intermediate understanding of operating a hospitality business serving as an effective, informed, and efficient leader to promote and grow the business. They have learned and have demonstrated proficiency in the content provided that focuses on leadership techniques, management plans, and intermediate human resources training. These candidates are able to serve as leaders that can manage the customer-facing and employee-focused aspects of a craft beverage business.