A grant program for aspiring craft brewery owners in the Lone Star State is now accepting applications. Apply right here! Grantees receive one year of free membership (a $300 value) in the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, the trade association for independent craft breweries in the state. The grant program, now in its fifth year, is funded by Method Architecture, a Texas-based design firm that’s also a longtime member of the Guild.
“This grant program creates an on-ramp for entrepreneurs who might not have access to the resources necessary to get their project up and running,” says Meg Ellis, the Guild’s Deputy Director. “Whether the project is in an urban center or a rural community, building relationships early on with the veteran brewery owners, suppliers, vendors, retailers, educators, and professional organizations that are part of the Guild can save a future brewery owner not just time and expense, but also headaches and heartaches down the road.”
Brewery in Planning member benefits include accessing the Guild’s library of online educational resources like a 30-page Brewery in Planning Guide, recorded webinars featuring industry experts, and more. Members can also attend monthly regional meetups and annual conferences throughout the year, connecting with nearly 250 veteran brewery owners and more than 60 of their in-planning peers statewide. Guild conferences like the Texas Brewery Roundup in Houston, June 27-29, feature trade shows that offer invaluable networking opportunities with industry vendors, like Method Architecture, who will be critical to their success as brewers and business owners.
Deidre and Will Amaya, the husband-and-wife team who recently opened Bay Area Brewing Company in Rockport, Texas, were grant recipients in the 2023-2024 cycle.
“The Brewery in Planning Grant is not just a monetary award. To us it was a lot more,” reflects Deidre. “We [used] the recognition as an opportunity to build our brand and grow our community following as we sought crowd funding and being taken seriously in a lucrative coastal real estate market.”
Entering the craft brewing industry is particularly difficult, and the costs of startup along with ingredients, equipment, and staffing expenses continue to climb. Studies have demonstrated that first-time business owners—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or rural communities—often face additional barriers to the necessary credit, capital, and other business support that can make the difference when it comes to turning a brewery dream into reality.
“Every great brewery starts with a bold idea and the right support,” said Katherine Rorie, Associate Principal at Method Architecture. “This grant isn’t just financial aid—it’s a gateway into a vibrant, collaborative community that values authenticity, creativity, and local impact. We’re honored to play a role in helping the next generation of Texas brewers thrive.”
Despite the challenges involved, craft breweries continue to provide vibrant third spaces and community gathering places for craft beer enthusiasts and alcohol-free individuals alike. Many craft breweries offer inclusive, family-friendly experiences like live music, vendor markets, or spaces for private events. At the bar, pairing craft beer or other innovative refreshments with food programs that showcase seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and reflect the local culture keeps patrons coming back.
In 2021 when the grant program launched, around thirty applications were submitted representing every corner of the Lone Star State, including Prosper, Tyler, College Station, Missouri City, and Allen, demonstrating the reach and appeal of craft beer businesses for residents in rural, suburban, and urban communities alike. To date, 22 grants have been awarded, and this year’s cycle aims to award five more grants.
Applications must be submitted by May 16, 2025. Eligibility criteria, award timeline, and the application form can be found at https://texascraftbrewersguild.org/method-bip-grants
Learn about the 2024 grantees here: https://texascraftbrewersguild.org/2024bipgrantees/
Details and registration for the 2025 Texas Brewery Roundup: https://texascraftbrewersguild.org/roundup/
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