The rapid rise of New England’s craft brewing industry has created high demand for professionals with an education in beer. It’s also inspired numerous people in the area to get brewing themselves.
The University of New Hampshire is responding to those demands. In February, the school announced plans for a slate of beer programs, as well as a testing lab and on-site pilot plant. This fall, UNH will offer a five-day seminar called “Craft Brewery Startup Workshop: The Business of Beer.” The non-credit course is open not only to students, but to any aspiring craft brew entrepreneur.
UNH plans to launch a brewing minor in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture in the fall of 2017. The school’s new analytical testing lab, which can test the alcohol content in beer, among other things, is expected to open early next year, along with a pilot brewing system. The school will also offer a professional development certificate program through the UNH Cooperative Extension.
The brewery startup workshop takes place from Sept. 26-30 at UNH’s Durham campus. According to the school’s website, brewery owners and industry experts will act as instructors, providing “insight into the inner workings” of the brewing business.
The seminar will include lessons about securing equipment and ingredients, sources of startup funds, infrastructure requirements, accounting practices, relevant laws and regulations, sustainable business practices, marketing and distribution, tasting room management, and other topics.
The 30-hour course costs $1,300. For more information about the seminar, call 603-862-7227.